TRIPOLI, Libya, Jan. 27 (UPI) -- The United Nations said it was calling on all parties to the violence in southern Libya to end the fighting to help ensure aid reaches those in need.
The U.N. Support Mission in Libya said it had "deep" concerns about violence gripping southern Libya. It said hospitals in the region were struggling to address the needs of civilians caught up in the violence.
Georg Charpentier, U.N. deputy envoy to Libya, said all parties to the violence need to guarantee the protection of civilians.
"[He] calls on all parties to allow for the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian support and ensure that assistance is provided in an equitable manner," a Sunday statement from the mission said.
The Libyan government in early January declared a state of emergency for southern parts of the country. Charpentier said there was a general lack of food and medicine in the region because of the fighting.
UNSMIL said it was preparing to bring relief supplies to the region within the next few days.
The mission said it was working to help support democratic transition since civil war ended in 2011. It said Libya in general has seen more violence in recent months.
