By IANS/AKI,
Geneva : The UN Wednesday deplored the repeated use of cluster munitions and heavy weaponry by Libyan government forces against civilians in the besieged city of Misrata and warned that such acts could constitute international crimes.
“I urge the Libyan authorities to face the reality that they are digging themselves and the Libyan population deeper and deeper into the quagmire. They must halt the siege of Misrata and allow aid and medical care to reach the victims of the conflict,” said UN high commissioner for human rights Navi Pillay.
Misrata, a north-western city with an estimated population of 300,000 people, has since earlier this year been the scene of continuous fighting between military forces loyal to long time leader Muammar Gaddafi and opposition groups.
It is the only city still partly held by rebels in government-controlled western Libya.
“Since the city is largely cut off, it is not known precisely how many civilians have died or been injured during two months of fighting there, but it is clear that the numbers are now substantial, and that the dead include women and children,” Pillay said in a news release.
Rebels say at least 1,000 civilians have been killed there during the 50-day assault by Libyan forces.
The UN and the Libyan government agreed this week to set up a humanitarian corridor in western Libya including conflict-ravaged Misrata, where residents have been suffering from shortages of food, water and medical supplies.
“Using imprecise weaponry such as cluster munitions, multiple rocket launchers and mortars, and other forms of heavy weaponry, in crowded urban areas will inevitably lead to civilian casualties,” she noted, adding that there are also reports of snipers deliberately targeting civilians in Misrata and other places in Libya.
The International Criminal Court investigating is investigation possible crimes in Misrata, said Pillay.
“Under international law, the deliberate targeting of medical facilities is a war crime, and the deliberate targeting or reckless endangerment of civilians may also amount to serious violations of international human rights law or international humanitarian law,” she stated.