Eyewitness: The women and children in Libya
Minister for Middle East and North Africa Alistair Burt spoke with people who have recently been in Libya and in the refugee camps and heard about the effect of the conflict on women and children.
The Foreign Office Minister was joined by journalists and human rights organisations including Save the Children, International Organisation for Migration and Lawyers for Justice in Libya in a meeting on 21 July.
Following the meeting he said:
“It is always painful to hear about civilians caught up in conflict and today’s event has been truly heartrending. Today I spoke with doctors who are working with women in Benghazi and in the refugee camps. I also heard about the long term psychological damage that the conflict could have on the children of Libya. Today’s meeting reaffirms the importance of the action we continue to take to protect civilians in Libya. It also strengthens our resolve to support them as they seek to build a better future. Qadhafi should end the violence and step down now so the people of Libya can decide their own future.”