Human Rights Solidarity calls on the Government of National Accord to take Pressing Measures to Prevent Violations of International Humanitarian Law
Human Rights Solidarity (HRS) warned Government of National Accord (GNA), of high risks of reprisals and violations of International Humanitarian Law, in the event that its forces enter the city of Tarhuna and other areas such as Qasr Bin Gheshir, Souq al-Khamis Msaihil, Souq al-Sabet, Sidi Sayeh and Espia’a. HRS warning came in a letter it sent to on Friday, May 22, to the designated Minister of Interior.
After it listed some of the criminal record of the militia known as “al-Kaniyat”, HRS welcomed the announcement made by the Minister of Interior[i], about plans prepared by the Ministry of Interior “to secure the city of Tarhuna to prevent any violations”. However, HRS noted that concerns should not be limited to what this militia committed in Tripoli, as the Minister said in his statement, but also to the grave violations in Tarhuna and its environs. HRS, also noted that any reprisals and attacks will be considered war crimes and not “acts of betrayal” as described by the minister in his statement.
HRS called on the Minister to exclude any persons who have grievances, against “al-Kaniyat” militia[ii], from participating in the GNA’s military operations in the areas mentioned above, and advised to use units, from the army or support forces, from cities such as the az-Zawiya, Zintan, and Jadu.
HRS calls on the GNA to take urgent actions on this matter; in order to prevent any violations and put an end to the cycle of violence and counter-violence, and to enable the rule of law by holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. The crimes of “al-Kaniyat” militia, it alone bears its burden. Any reprisals against prisoners, captured in the fighting, or civilians, or against their properties, are war crimes and should be dealt with accordingly.
[i] Al-Ahrar TV Channel: “Pashaga announces a plan to secure Tarhuna, and pledges that the dialogue between the Libyans will have no place for Haftar” April 23, 2020.
[ii] Which is not confined only to the members of Khalifa al-Kani family, but everyone who fought with or joined the ranks of this militia, or cooperated with them in committing their crimes, in Tarhuna and in other regions.
