Somalia Ambassador to the EU Mr. Yusuf Ismael Bari Bari has denied accusations by the UN human rights chief Ms. Navi Pillay that fighters from both sides (the Somalia government and the insurgents) reportedly have used torture and fired mortars indiscriminately into areas populated or frequented by civilians,
The Ambassador said that Somali government troops have not committed war crimes and that they are fighting in self defence. “Government troops are attacked while in their camps and they defend themselves” said the Ambassador while speaking to the BBC.
The Ambassador added that any war crimes that have taken place in Somalia are the responsibility of insurgents whom he blamed for firing rockets and shells from civilian residential areas. “Insurgents have still opportunities that will not last forever which is to brainwash youth and send them to fight for them” added the Ambassador.
The U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights cited credible reports that rebels had also set up tribunals which have handed down death sentences by stoning and decapitation and also ordered amputations. She also accused of government troops of violating human rights in their efforts to battle insurgents.
"Once order has been restored -- and one day order will be restored -- those responsible for human rights violations and abuses should, and I hope will, be brought to justice," said Pillay, who is from South Africa.
Source: HOL
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