Amnesty International Senior Director Claudio Cordone said:

 

"While we welcome the strong emphasis on the protection of civilians in Libya reflected in UN Security Council resolution 1973, we call on all parties to the conflict, including any external forces acting under the authority of the UN Security Council, to put the protection of civilians above any other considerations.

 

"It is critical that all Libyan and any other forces that may become involved in the conflict fully respects the laws of war."

 

The organisation also called on all parties to ensure that any civilians who want to flee the country be allowed safe passage to the borders in safety, and to ensure that anyone fleeing Libya is allowed immediate access to whichever country they are able to reach, without discrimination.

 

Yesterday the UN Security Council passed Resolution 1973 with 10 votes in favour and five abstentions. The resolution authorises member states to take all necessary measures short of a foreign occupation force to protect civilians and civilian populated areas under threat of attack in Libya.