Earlier in the week, a group affiliated with the so-called Islamic State in Libya released a video showing the execution of at least 28 Christians in two separate incidents in Libya.
We condemn the brutal killings of these individuals who we understand are mostly Ethiopian nationals and who appear to have been targeted on the basis of their religion. In February of this year the High Commissioner condemned the beheading of 21 mostly Egyptian Coptic Christians, and further urged Libyans to unite against extremists launching attacks based on religious, ethnic, national, racial, or political grounds and we reiterate that call today.
The human rights division of UNSMIL is following up on these cases and seeking more information. We express our sympathy and condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives, and we urge all parties to the conflict to take all possible steps to ensure the protection of civilians, especially those in vulnerable situations such as migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, or those at risk of attack on the basis of religious, national, racial, or political grounds.
We also urge all parties in Libya involved in the ongoing dialogue talks facilitated by the United Nations to redouble their efforts to reach an agreement as soon as possible, so as to begin the process of rebuilding institutions that would ensure the rule of law and the protection of human rights for all those residing in Libya.
(Source: OHCHR)
(Human rights image via Shutterstock)
