Swiss condemn continued violence in Libya

Switzerland has condemned the continued use of violence by Libyan authorities against anti-government rebels.

Speaking at the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva on Monday, Swiss ambassador to the UN, Dante Martinelli, called for an end to the violence.

He also welcomed the establishment by the HRC of a commission of inquiry charged with investigating violations of international human rights laws in Libya.

Martinelli said the inquiry should, as a matter of priority, focus on “the summary execution of protesters, the brutal repression of the opposition movement, acts of torture and the repression of freedom of speech”.

Introducing the debate, deputy high commissioner for human rights Kyung-wha Kang said the international community had a responsibility to act in the face of blatant human rights abuses. 

“The Gaddafi government has not only failed to protect the Libyan people, but has chosen to attack civilians in a massive and indiscriminate manner,” she said.

Western Libya remains Gaddafi’s stronghold, centred on Tripoli where his militiamen have crushed any attempts at an uprising. Rebels seized control of several cities in the east of the country since the revolt began on February 15.

But reports on Monday said Gaddafi loyalists had regained control of the oil town of Brega and had airstrikes against the rebel-held town of Ajdabiya.