Geneva, 06 June 2014 - We are deeply concerned by the violence in Libya that has led to a number of people being killed and injured in the east of the country, particularly in Benghazi - including people not directly involved in armed clashes. We urge all sides to exercise the utmost restraint to avoid further escalation and engage in peaceful dialogue and we call upon the authorities to renew their efforts to meet their obligations under international human rights law, specifically with respect to protecting the right to life.

We are further concerned that space to operate for human rights defenders, humanitarian workers, media professionals, and all those engaged in efforts to support Libya is shrinking by the day.

We condemn in the strongest possible terms the tragic murder on 4 June in Sirte of Michael Greub, head of the International Committee of the Red Cross sub-delegation in Misrata. We call upon the authorities to launch a prompt, impartial and independent investigation and ensure that those found responsible are brought to justice. This is fundamental to ensuring that the rule of law is upheld and the culture of impunity is not allowed to grow even worse.

We also deplore the detention of staff members of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) in recent weeks. On 4 June, four staff members of UNSMIL were temporarily detained upon arriving at Tripoli airport. Previously, on 11 May, another UNSMIL staff member was detained briefly whilst observing the trial of a number of former officials in the Gaddafi government. We call on all parties in Libya to ensure that UN officials and aid workers can perform their impartial human rights and other work without harassment or intimidation.