Geneva (dpa) – Both sides in last year's civil war in Libya committed serious crimes, while the military operation conducted by NATO forces showed determination in minimizing civilian casualties, the UN commission investigating the conflict said Friday. “Acts of murder, enforced disappearance, and torture were perpetrated within the context of a widespread or systematic attack against a civilian population,” the commission said in accusing the Gaddafi forces of war crimes. “The commission found additional violations including unlawful killing, individual acts of torture and ill-treatment, attacks on civilians, and rape,” the report said. The anti-Gaddafi forces had also committed serious violations. These included war crimes and breaches of international human rights law, it said. The commission, specifically appointed to investigate the conflict, noted that the breaches, including unlawful killing, arbitrary arrest, torture, enforced disappearance, indiscriminate attacks, and pillage, were “continuing at the time of the present report.” NATO had conducted a precise campaign “with a demonstrable determination to avoid civilian casualties,” although there had been civilian casualties on occasion. However, some targets showed no evidence of military utility. The commission's report cautiously welcomed moves by the interim government in overcoming a legacy of more than 40 years of human rights violations. The government was gradually restoring the judiciary and making some progress in transferring detainees to central government control. However, it would need continuing support from the UN and the international community. BM ShortURL: http://goo.gl/TJY5b Tags: Crimes, Gaddafi, Rebels, UN Section: Human Rights, Latest News, Libya
