United nations calls for Libya war crimes probe

A UN report has warned that human rights violations that could amount to war crimes are being committed with complete impunity in Libya, the BBC reported on Thursday.

The report to the UN Human Rights Council describes a country descending into violent chaos.

Hundreds of armed groups are battling for control in Libya: Their tactics include the torture and killing of detainees, indiscriminate attacks on civilians, the assassination of journalists and human rights activists, rape, and other sexual violence.

The collapse of Libya's justice system means that no one is being held responsible for these crimes, the report says.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) should be able to carry out investigations and prosecutions, and protection programmes should be set up, it says.

It also calls on the UN Security Council to consider economic sanctions against Libyans found responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Libya has had no stable government since an uprising toppled long-time ruler Muammar Gaddafi five years ago.

Source: MENA