GENEVA Feb 1 (Reuters) - The U.N. human rights chief said on Tuesday she had unconfirmed reports that up to 300 people may have been killed in Egypt's unrest and called for calm during the day's protests which could be a "pivotal moment".
Navi Pillay, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, urged Egyptian authorities to ensure that police and the army avoid the excessive use of force and protect civilians.
"Casualties have been mounting on a daily basis, with unconfirmed reports suggesting as many as 300 people may have been killed so far, more than 3,000 injured and hundreds arrested," Pillay said in a statement. Her spokesman said that the unconfirmed toll came from non-governmental organisations.
"Tuesday's march seems likely to be a pivotal moment in Egypt's transition to a freer, fairer and more democratic society," she said.
(Reporting by Stephanie Nebehay | reuters 1 Feb 2011)
