Civilian victims in Libya rise by 45pct in first quarter this year with 64 dead, 67 wounded – UN
Tripoli, Libya(PANA) - The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) said here Thursday that the hostilities in Libya claimed at least 131 civilian victims, including 64 dead and 67 wounded between January 1 and 31 March.
In a statement, the UNSMIL said "this figure represents a global increase of civilian losses by 45% compared to the previous period in the fourth quarter last year".
The statement said "the fighting on the ground was the main cause of the civilian victims, followed by targeted assassinations, air strikes and impoverished explosive engines".
The mission underlined that the global increase in the number of civilian victims was due to the escalation of hostilities.
It expressed "its deep concern with the random attacks and the continued targeting of civilians in the populated areas of civilians and the increase in the number of civilian victims caused by the use of rockets and artillery, as well as the targeted assassinations by the forces affiliated to the Libyan National Army (LNA)".
"All the parties in conflict must respect their obligations in virtue of the international humanitarian right, including the respect of the principles of distinction, proportionality and precautions in the attacks to prevent the loss of civilians," said Stephanie Williams, acting special representative of the UN Secretary-General and chief of UNSMIL.
“UNSMIL reaffirms its appeal to all parties in conflict so they immediately end all military operations and enable authorities to respond to the COVID-19 threat,” she said.
-0- PANA BY/TBM/MSA/RA 30Apr2020
