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By Libya Herald staff.
Tripoli, 22 September 2014:
Civil society organisations in Azziziya are calling for an immediate ceasefire and for all parties to . . .[restrict]allow aid to reach Warshefana areas affected by the recent violence.
In a statement released over the weekend, Azziziya civil society organisations said they are following the deteriorating security situation in the Warshefana areas, which has resulted in many civilian deaths, with “great concern.”
They condemned the “gross violations of human rights,” and listed kidnapping, murder, torture based on social identity and destruction of private property as some of the crimes perpetrated by armed groups.
Saying there had been “indiscriminate targeting of civilians,” they mentioned the displacement of tens of thousands of residents, which has put a burden on those providing shelter and aid for them. Furthermore, the areas affected were experiencing shortages in food supplies, fuel and medicines.
In addition to experiencing shortages in needed supplies, the Zahra hospital and other clinics have been shelled.
“We call on all parties to exert the utmost efforts to quickly reach a resolution to stop the violence and to return security and stability to the region,” the statement read.
They appealed to the House of Representatives (HoR), the government and the army to immediately intervene to protect civilians in Warshefana “out of a sense of national and legal responsibility to protect civilians that are exposed to serious violations”.
According to the statement, central and local government had not provided any assistance thus far, nor had the HoR or the government sent any officials to meet with community representatives to hear their complaints.
The statement affirmed local support for efforts made by the Warshefana Shura Council and the elders to bring about a resolution. It also applauded civil institutions that have contributed food supplies for those in need and medicines to hospitals.
“We call on all parties to put an end to the violence and to save the citizens. Also we call on everyone to allow the urgently needed humanitarian aid and to ensure the unimpeded provision of assistance,” the statement ended.
In the past two days Azziziya itself has been the site of heavy fighting, with the Bin Ghanam Camp sustaining heavy shelling.
According to an announcement made by Libya Dawn on social media, the town itself is now considered a military zone and all residents have been urged to leave. [/restrict]
