UN humanitarian coordinator in Libya condemns airstrikes on civilian facilities

The Deputy Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General, UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for Libya, Yacoub El Hillo, strongly condemned all attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure in Libya.

Newly arrived El Hillo said he is reminded of the hundreds of thousands of civilians affected by the armed conflict.

The airstrikes two days ago that injured several children at the Equestrian Club in the Janzour neighborhood of Tripoli marks one of the lowest points in this conflict.

The following day, a field hospital in Qasir  Benghashir in southern Tripoli was hit resulting in the death of one doctor and injury of two paramedics.

Equally disturbing are attacks against medical facilities and health workers which are a growing phenomenon in the Libyan conflict that goes to the heart of violations of international humanitarian law.

“There have been 57 attacks on healthcare facilities in 2019 which resulted in the death of 13 healthcare workers and injury of 47 others in Libya.” The UN said.

Humanitarian Coordinator El Hillo stressed that attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure violate international humanitarian law.

He urged international parties with influence in Libya to ensure respect for international humanitarian law and to do everything possible to protect civilians, especially children.

“The people of Libya deserve to live in peace and have a better future. Respecting international humanitarian law would be a start.” He added.