Geneva, 08 August 2014 - We are very much concerned about the situation in Libya, where a conflict between multiple armed groups has been raging primarily in Benghazi and Tripoli. Frequent indiscriminate shelling of heavily populated areas in both cities by the rival sides has been reported, leading to the death or injury of civilians, including children. Living conditions for civilians in both cities have steadily deteriorated, with food, fuel and electricity in diminishing supply. Health facilities have been severely affected by the violence and common criminality is on the rise. Armed groups from both sides have taken prisoners and we are receiving initial reports of torture that we are investigating. In addition, attacks against media professionals continue.

We wish to remind all parties involved in the hostilities that under international law indiscriminate attacks are war crimes, as are attacks on civilians or civilian objects such as airports – unless such civilian facilities are being used for military purposes. Torture is also a war crime. The direct perpetrators of any such crimes in Libya, as well as commanders who order or fail to stop the commission of such crimes, can be prosecuted, including by the International Criminal Court. There should be no impunity.

We appeal on all sides to immediately end all violations of international law. We hope that the fighting itself will end and that Libyans will engage in peaceful dialogue to resolve their differences.