Through in-depth research in five states, Human Rights Watch documented scores of cases of disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and torture carried out by security forces. Virtually none of these cases is being adequately investigated—not in the military or civilian justice systems. Nor is the government investigating most of the 45,000-plus homicides allegedly tied to organized crime. And the impunity for these crimes has contributed to an environment of lawlessness in many parts of the country, making for a counterproductive public security strategy.

Human Rights Watch Emergencies Director, Peter Bouckaert explores an unguarded weapons storage facility about 100km south of Sirte with vast amounts of explosive weapons.