The International Criminal Court (ICC) chief prosecutor says reports indicate that war crimes are being committed in Libya.
“There are, indeed, indications that crimes that fall within the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court are being committed,” said Fatou Bensouda, who was addressing the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday.
Bensouda added that the security situation has deteriorated in the North African country, which is currently grappling with a growing wave of assassinations and human rights violations.
"These troubling developments are clear signs that Libya is descending on the wrong path on its transition to what was hoped would be a peaceful country that respects and pays homage to the rule of law, justice and accountability," the ICC official stated.
Meanwhile, Human Rights Watch (HRW) announced that it has recorded several cases of torture, displacement, detention and murder in the violence-ravaged country which may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity.
"Security Council members should make clear that the state of impunity in Libya needs to end," said HRW International Justice Director Richard Dicker on Tuesday, adding, "Turning a blind eye to justice has been a main driver for the country's current instability."
Libya plunged into chaos following the 2011 uprising that toppled longtime dictator, Muammar Gaddafi. The ouster of Gaddafi gave rise to a patchwork of heavily-armed militias and deep political divisions.
The Arab country has been witnessing numerous clashes between government forces and rival militia groups that refuse to lay down arms. The groups are now turning their guns on each other in an attempt to dominate politics and the country’s vast oil resources.
