18 November 2018: The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) condemned on Saturday frequent attacks on health facilities and medical workers in Libya, asserting that such fundamental services must be protected from aggression during armed conflict.
It called on Libyan authorities to prevent such attacks, investigate them when they happen, and prosecute perpetrators when appropriate.
Last week, unidentified gunmen attacked the Specialized Surgery Center in Benghazi, injuring five and stealing equipment and personal belongings of the staff.
Attacking hospitals has become frequent and more aggressive in Libya recently.
Earlier in November, the UNSMIL said persistent violence against medical facilities, including the shelling and bombing of hospitals, attacking and intimidating medical staff, looting of medicine, equipment and ambulances, and clashes inside hospitals – all committed with impunity by armed groups – must stop immediately.
“The health system of Libya is already under-resourced and overstretched; these attacks are costing lives of innocent patients and staff alike,” a UNSMIL statement read.
“The UN warns the perpetrators that attacks against medical facilities and health care providers are prohibited under International Humanitarian Law and that those responsible must be brought to justice for what may amount to war crimes, under the Rome Statue of the International Criminal Court,” the statement continued.
