Red Cross helping identify dead in Libya

TRIPOLI, Libya, Sept. 15 (UPI) -- The International Committee of the Red Cross said it is overseeing efforts to identify human remains found in mass graves in and around Tripoli, Libya.

The ICRC has so far helped ensure the remains of 125 people found in 12 mass graves have been handled properly, the ICRC said in a release Wednesday.

"The newly established National Council for the Missing quickly turned to us for technical support," said Carole Pittet, an ICRC staff member in Tripoli. "There have been reports of improvised exhumations, which carry the risk that remains could be mishandled. Important information needed for proper identification of the dead could be lost."

Pittet said two forensic experts have been sent to Tripoli to aid in the effort.

"This week we dispatched two forensic experts to the field to support our colleagues already involved in the management of human remains," Pittet said. "The experts will also be advising the Libyan Red Crescent, local councils, health and religious authorities and other partners."