The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has condemned in strong terms, the forced closure of the eastern branch of the Man-Made River by armed groups.
In a statement issued by the UN mission in Libya, the closure threatens the water security for millions of people in Libya and risks provoking a humanitarian crisis.
“Any obstruction of vital infrastructure, such as the Man-Made River, is a violation of international human rights and humanitarian law and is particularly reprehensible when committed to extort political concessions.
“Such acts are similar to a form of collective punishment of people, can never be justified and all perpetrators should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law”, it stated.
UNSMIL also stated that access to water and water supply should never be politicised and urged all actors to work in the national interest of Libya to ensure the water supply is resumed immediately and that water infrastructure is both respected and protected.
