Date : 17/10/2011
WASHINGTON, Oct 17 (KUNA) -- The United States expressed on Monday concerns
about the detention situation of prisoners of Sub-Saharan descent in Libya.
"We remain concerned that sub-Saharan migrants are still being detained
based apparently on their skin color and an assumption that they have
supported Gaddafi. Moreover, we remain troubled by reports of their treatment
while in detention", said the State Department in a sattement.
"We urge the TNC to honor its stated commitment to the rule of law and
respect for the universal human rights of all people in Libya. We will
continue to engage the TNC on this issue moving forward", added the statement.
A report by Amnesty International, released last week, noted that there is
"widespread" prisoner abuse with indications of torture of detainees and
arbitraru detention, mainly in the case of Sub-Saharan Africans and black
Libyans.
"Additionally, we remain very concerned about the fate of the civilians,
non-combatants and detainees in Sirte. We call on all parties to avoid
civilian casualties, to treat prisoners in accordance with International
Humanitarian Law, and to refrain from all acts of retribution", concluded the
State Department. (end)
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