NEW YORK, Oct. 25 (UPI) -- A United Nations panel Tuesday called on Libya's interim leaders to start impartial investigations into allegations that detainees' rights have been violated.
The U.N. unit urged the transitional leaders to seek support from the international community.
"It is extremely important that the National Transitional Council and all armed groups in Libya ensure that all detainees under their control, irrespective of their affiliations, are treated with due respect for their human rights in accordance with international standards," Philippe Kirsch, chairman of the Independent Commission of Inquiry in Libya, which was created in February by the Human Rights Council, said in a U.N. release. "In particular, I would urge all armed forces to refrain from revenge killings and arbitrary repression of Libyans and foreigners."
In a June report, the commission said it had learned of serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law committed by the ousted regime of Moammar Gadhafi.
The commission said it was encouraged by recent public announcements made by transitional leaders expressing a commitment to human rights.
"The dawn of a new era provides an opportunity for the NTC and the future interim government in Libya to make a break from that past by establishing laws and reconstructing state institutions based on respect for human rights and the rule of law," Kirsch said.
