A child was confirmed dead and two others were injured as a result of so-called “celebratory shooting” that hit their home in Sabha last Thursday, the U.N. Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) said on Sunday.
In a statement via Twitter, UNICEF identified the deceased victim as 6-year-old boy named Ayoub and expressed “concern” about the incident involving his death.
“Children in Libya continue to be exposed to guns and heavy weaponry violence at home and in their neighbourhoods,” said the U.N. agency. “These incidents impact children’s psychological and mental well-being and can have a long-term impact.”
“UNICEF sends its heartfelt condolences to Ayoub’s family and friends and stands ready to help with psychosocial support,” it added.
The agency called upon “all mandated security actors to protect children and take all necessary measures to prevent the use of weapons in civilian areas.”