Historical archive

Unacceptable use of violence against the Libyan people

Historical archive

Published under: Stoltenberg's 2nd Government

Publisher: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

“The use of military force against the country’s own population is entirely unacceptable. We strongly condemn the Libyan authorities’ ruthless use of violence against the country’s civilian population,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

“The use of military force against the country’s own population is entirely unacceptable. We strongly condemn the Libyan authorities’ ruthless use of violence against the country’s civilian population,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

The situation in Libya is chaotic. It is difficult to verify reports of specific events and the number of people killed and wounded due to poor lines of communication and the fact that journalists are not being allowed into the country. The reports that are coming out leave little doubt that the situation in Libya is extremely serious, and that the civilian population is being subjected to atrocious brutality and clear human rights violations.

“We urge the Libyan authorities to respect the right to freedom of expression and to permit peaceful protests. It is now important that the international community stands united in demanding that the violence and abuses against the country’s population are put to an end,” said Mr Støre.

Norway has today aligned itself with an EU declaration condemning the abuses committed by the Libyan authorities against the country’s own population. Norway is also working with other countries to advocate that the UN Human Rights Council convene a special session on Libya.