UN team arrives in Libya to investigate human rights abuse claims

Three investigators say they will examine all claims of abuses, including those made against NATO forces.

A TEAM DISPATCHED BY the UN Human Rights Council has arrived in Libya to investigate allegations of human rights abuses made against both government and rebel forces.

The BBC reports that the Libyan government has already said it will co-operate with the investigation, which the UN says will focus on all allegations of human rights abuses, including those the government claims were perpetrated by NATO forces and rebel groups.

In recent weeks there have been reports that Gaddafi’s forces have been indiscriminately shelling the rebel-held city of Misrata.

Last week, the UN’s Human Rights Commissioner Navi Pillay condemned the reported use of cluster bombs by Gaddafi’s forces. She said that the actions of pro-government forces would come under “intense scrutiny”.

Responding to reports of an attack on medical facilities in Misrata, Pillay said such actions would constitute a war crime.

Irish government-funded Irish Aid recently assisted human rights groups in evacuating thousands of civilians from the port in Misrata.

UN team arrives in Libya to investigate human rights abuse claims

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