GENEVA – The UN human rights chief on Wednesday slammed the Libyan regime for the alleged use of cluster bombs in Misrata, saying such attacks on densely populated urban areas could be international crimes.
In a statement, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay “condemned the reported repeated use of cluster munitions and heavy weaponry by Libyan government forces in their attempt to regain control of the besieged city of Misrata.”
She noted that one cluster bomb had reportedly exploded a few hundred metres (yards) from a hospital in Misrata while another two clinics were apparently hit by mortar or sniper fire. “Using imprecise weaponry such as cluster munitions, multiple rocket launchers and mortars, and other forms of heavy weaponry, in crowded urban areas will inevitably lead to civilian casualties,” Pillay said.
