Need for UN Investigation on Mass Graves in Libya

Need for UN Investigation on Mass Graves in Libya

The International United Nations Watch (IUNW) urges United Nations  Secretary-General António Guterres to launch  an immediate investigation into claims that  a dozen mass graves have been found in the Libyan city of Tarhuna after forces of the Government of National Accord (GNA) reclaimed  the city from the forces of retired general Khalifa Haftar.

Footage circulated online showed, mass graves discovered in Tarhuna, where  entire families, reportedly, were buried by the Kani militia, a group  loyal to  Haftar .

Additional  footage released by the Libyan activist Imad Fathi showed the removal of five decomposed bodies from a 45-metre-deep  well in the Awata area near Tarhuna.

The Libyan Red Crescent, working with GNA forces, found another mass grave in the city of Tarhuna.

The United Nations should start an investigation immediately into the crimes committed against Libyan civilians by the Haftar forces. This should  include  those countries providing  material support to Haftar in clear violation of UN Resolution 1973, which called for an embargo on sending arms to Libya.

Since the outbreak of the conflict in Libya in 2011, but  especially from  April 2019 onwards, when the Haftar forces began attacking cities in Western Libya to a bid to acquire  the capital Tripoli, Libyan civilians have been subjected to serious human rights violations ranging from torture and  killing  to enforced disappearances.

However,  the discovery of mass graves in Tarhuna is unprecedented and the international community’s response  should be to take urgent and immediate measures to ensure  justice for the  victims and to hold  those responsible to account.

For media inquiries, contact Maya Garner at +447547282209

Email: info@intunwatch.com