Libya: Injured abducted from hospitals by pro-Gaddafi forces

Forces loyal to Col. Gaddaffi's are carrying out attacks on hospital patients in Gadaffi-controlled areas, sources say. Injured rebel forces and innocent civilians are being kidnapped from hospitals, risking torture, even death.

As a consequence, the wounded are refusing to seek medical assistance for fear of being kidnapped or killed.

Reports have also surfaced that Gaddafi's forces have hi-jacked Tunisian Red Crescent ambulances and are using them for their military offensive. Border guards and Gaddafi's security services are also preventing injured individuals from crossing into Tunisia to seek medical assistance.

In view of these allegations, Alkarama has called on the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to health to intervene and ensure that the UN Human Rights Council-mandated International Commission of Inquiry investigate these allegations and visit the hospitals.

The Special Rapporteur on the right to health should also remind the Libyan authorities of their obligations under international human rights and humanitarian law that they respect the medical facilities and allow them to carry out their work.

Alkarama will continue to follow events in Libya and provide the UN with information regarding human rights violations.