UN envoy alarmed by worsening human rights situation in Libya

TRIPOLI, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- The UN envoy to Libya Ghassan Salame on Sunday expressed alarm at the scale of human rights abuses in the war-torn country, where hundreds of civilians have been killed and injured this year.

Salame, special representative of UN Secretary-General and head of UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), said in a statement that "human rights abuses are carried out at an alarming scale, with no accountability or due process" in Libya.

The statement was issued to mark the 70th anniversary of the UN General Assembly's adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

"In Libya, this year alone, indiscriminate fighting in residential areas, airstrikes and explosive ordinance have tragically left at least 365 Libyans killed or injured, including 79 children," Salame said.

"Fourteen health facilities were attacked, endangering doctors, patients and the frail healthcare system," he said.

The UNSMIL also documented 201 unlawful killings, mainly executions of persons detained by armed groups, which continue to illegally detain thousands of people, while torture is systematic and deaths in custody occur on a regular basis.

Salame also said that 24 cases of attacks, arbitrary or unlawful detention, torture and threats against journalists, activists and others have been documented.

"I salute the brave Libyan human rights defenders and advocates who work every day, sometime in grave peril, to advance human rights across their country," he said.

The envoy added that illegal immigrants stranded in Libya are subjected to human trafficking, sexual abuse, forced labor and killings.

"I urge all Libyans to stand up for human rights and for the values that lay the foundation for a safer, fairer and better Libya. You will find the United Nations standing with you." Salame said.

Libya has been suffering from violence and chaos following the 2011 uprising that toppled former leader Muammar Gaddafi. Enditem