United Nations spokesman Stephane Dujarric denounced the Moroccan-Spain resort in Melilla over the weekend for “excessive use of force” against migrants in a tragedy that resulted in “the killing of dozens of asylum seekers and migrants.”

He explained that “this is unacceptable” and “it is necessary to investigate” this tragedy, noting that the UN notes the excessive use of force “on both sides of the border.” “We were shocked by the scenes of violence that took place on the border between Morocco and Spain in North Africa this weekend, which resulted in the deaths of dozens of asylum seekers and migrants,” he added.

Dujarric noted: “People who migrate have rights that need to be respected and we often see them being violated.” Earlier, Raveena Shamdasani, spokeswoman for the UN Human Rights Office in Geneva, called for an independent investigation following the attempt by migrants to enter the Spanish enclave of Melilla, located on Moroccan territory, and the accompanying bloody events.