A group of United Nations (UN) human rights experts called on Friday for an immediate end to the violence and repression of journalists, lawyers and demonstrators in Mozambique.

The group is calling for urgent measures to be taken by the Mozambican government so that those responsible for the violence are investigated and prosecuted.

 "The violations of the right to life, including that of a child, the deliberate killings of unarmed demonstrators and the excessive use of force by police deployed to disperse peaceful protests in Mozambique are very disturbing," the experts' note said.

At a time when Mozambique is experiencing a climate of demonstrations almost everywhere in the country, in protest at the election results of October 9, the UN human rights experts suggest that the authorities take measures to contain the violence and "guarantee an environment in which all Mozambicans can participate in political processes and express themselves freely and without fear".

The note also states that "enforced disappearance in the context of electoral violence has a lasting impact on the democratic fabric of states".

The group of experts also urged the Mozambican government to facilitate access to information for all and condemned the "widespread interruption of Internet services, which allegedly coincided with announced demonstrations and marches".

The UN says it is in dialogue with the Mozambican authorities and is closely monitoring developments.