UNSMIL urges end to Zawia clashes and accountability for perpetrators

The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has strongly condemned the recent clashes in Zawia and Surman, demanding an immediate cessation of hostilities. The mission stressed the need to hold accountable all parties involved in the fighting and those supporting them for the consequences of their actions.

“

UNSMIL strongly condemned yesterday the ongoing clashes in Zawia and previously in Surman and calls on all conflict parties to cease fighting immediately and halt all provocative movements that could further inflame tensions.

The conflict has had a severe impact on civilians, leading to loss of life, injuries, and significant damage to private property and critical infrastructure, including the Zawia Refinery. The clashes in Surman also resulted in a prison break, raising serious concerns about public safety and security.

“

Those directly engaged in the fighting and those supporting them should be held accountable for the impact of their actions.

UNSMIL called for prompt and thorough investigations into these incidents to identify and hold accountable all those complicit. The mission emphasized that victims have the right to justice and remedies through credible investigations. It also reminded all parties of their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights laws, particularly concerning the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure.

“

We call for a prompt and thorough investigation of these incidents, and ensure that those persons or groups directly or indirectly complicit in this incident are identified and held accountable for their actions.

The mission is actively consulting with relevant actors to de-escalate the situation and appreciates ongoing de-escalation efforts. UNSMIL reiterated that the use of heavy weapons in civilian areas and actions jeopardizing civilian lives may constitute crimes under national and international law. The mission urged Libyan authorities to create a coordinated mechanism for withdrawing heavy weapons from populated areas and to support sustainable de-escalation efforts to end the prevalent violence.

“

Victims of the violence in Zawia and Surman have the right to effective justice and remedies, including through prompt, independent and credible investigations.