Human Rights Watch has called for the suspension of forcible deportations to Libya amid fears of the deteriorating human rights situation in the country.
“The armed conflicts and lawlessness in Libya are giving rise to indiscriminate violence and widespread human rights abuses,” warned Human Rights Watch. It went on to say “anyone forcibly returned to any part of Libya would be exposed to a real risk of serious harm, which would constitute what is known as refoulement under international law.”
The non-governmental organisation’s statement comes as the European Union coordinator for anti-terrorism Gilles de Kerchove stated that the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) could expand in to Libya. The north-eastern city of Derna is thought to be under the control of Islamist militias, some of whom have pledged allegiance to the group.
De Kerchove echoed fears raised by the commander of the US army’s Africa Command, who said that ISIS “has begun its efforts over in the east out there.” General David Rodriguez told reporters that “it’s mainly about people coming for training and logistics support right now.”
See our earlier posts:
Car bombs target Egyptian and UAE embassies in Libya (14 Nov 2014)
ICC chief prosecutor warns UN Security Council of war crimes in Libya (12 Nov 2014)
Fierce fighting rages in Benghazi (04 Nov 2014)
Militants committing war crimes in Libya says Amnesty International (31 Oct 2014)