UNITED NATIONS, December 23 (Sputnik) — All sides involved in a continuing civil war in Libya should halt hostilities and share responsibility for the hundreds of civilian deaths and massive displacement in recent months, a joint report by the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) and the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) said Tuesday.
"UNSMIL and OHCHR reiterate their appeals to all sides of the conflict to cease all armed hostilities and engage in an inclusive political dialogue, seeking to build a State based on democracy, and respect for human rights and the rule of law," the report stated.
According to the document, armed groups, including Islamic extremists, must bear responsibility for "serious violations and abuses of international human rights and humanitarian law," regardless of their affiliation.
The report noted that since the fighting escalated in mid-October, 450 people have been killed and 120,000 have been forced to flee the country.
Libya is facing its worst wave of violence since the overthrow of the long-time leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The internal political crisis has resulted in a two-government system: the Islamist-backed, self-proclaimed government of Omar Hassi and the internationally recognized government of Abdullah Thani.