UNSMIL condemned cutting water supply from the Man-Made River

Libyan Cloud News Agency

The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) condemned the closure of the eastern branch of the Man-Made River by an armed group on August 14.

The UNSMIL said in a statement that 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.” Read the statement.

It pointed out that such acts are similar to a form of collective punishment of people that can never be justified, demanding that all perpetrators should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

UNSMIL reiterated that access to water and water supply should never be politicized, urging all actors to work in the national interest of Libya and all people in Libya to ensure the water supply is resumed immediately and that water infrastructure is both respected and protected.