Fifteen humanitarian and human rights organisations last week called on the states implementing the “no-fly zone” in Libya to commit to recording and reporting on civilian casualties in that country.
The call came in an open letter (see attachment) sent to all members of the UN Security Council, the Arab League and the African Union.
A Press Release dated 21 April states that the international community’s intervention in Libya, mandated by UNSC 1973 and based on civilian protection, lacks any means by which such protection can be evaluated. In addition to the protection of civilians by ‘all necessary measures,’ Resolution 1973 and 1970 mandate that those responsible for attacks on civilians ought to be held accountable, and that the Libyan authorities should comply with the international legal regime. Without a serious casualty reporting mechanism it is hard to see how any of these mandates could be met to the satisfaction of all parties.
The co-signatories of the letter call for states to commit to: “immediate and comprehensive recording of all civilian casualties –whether children, women, or men who have been killed injured, displaced, or who are missing. Monitoring should be done using all means presently available and be followed-up by full on-the-ground, incident-level investigations as soon as is feasible.”
The signatories further urge that the mechanisms employed be transparent and open to public scrutiny, in particular to Libyans. The letter remains open for further signatories.
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| joint_letter.pdf | 488.87 KB |