"There has been continuing reports of violence, indiscriminate use of force" against civilians in Libya over the past days, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said Friday, urging the international community to step in and take "protective action in a collective, timely and decisive manner", Xinhua reported.
The statement came as Ban was briefing an open meeting of the UN Security Council on what is going on in Libya.
"There have been continuing reports of violence and the indiscriminate use of force," Ban said. "Estimates indicate that more than 1,000 people have been killed."
Against the backdrop of the current situation in Libya, Ban said, "The international community has the responsibility to step in and take protective action in a collective, timely and decisive manner.
"Fundamental issues of peace and stability are at stake, most immediately at this moment in Libya," said Ban, who described what is going on in Libya as "the deeply disturbing situation."
Meanwhile, Ban said that the relevant information gathered from press accounts and it is necessary to seek proof.
"We do not have conclusive proof, but the reports appear to be credible and consistent," he said.
"I strongly believe that the first obligation of the international community is to do everything possible to ensure the immediate protection of civilians at demonstrable risk," he said.
"Indeed, if further proof is required, it should be sought simultaneously with measures to afford protection," he said.
"It is time for the Security Council to consider concrete action," he said. "The hours and the days ahead will be decisive for Libyans and their country, with equally important implications for the wider region."
Ban is scheduled to meet with U.S. President Barack Obama in Washington on Monday, and Libya is expected to be high on the agenda of the upcoming talks.
Ban's statement came as the Security Council is meeting behind closed doors to consider further actions against Libya if the violence does not stop in the North African country.
"Some 22,000 have fled to Tunisia and a reported 15,000 to Egypt," Ban said. "However, they fear that much larger numbers of residents and migrant workers are in fact trapped and unable to leave for safety."
At the same time, he said, "There are widespread reports of refugees being harassed and threatened with guns and knives. It is crucial for humanitarian agencies to have access to the border regions."
"It is also important for the neighboring states, including Europe, to keep their borders open to people fleeing Libya," he added.