United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has urged the global body's Security Council to take "decisive action" over the Libya crisis.
Speaking at a meeting of the Security Council in New York, Mr Ban warned of a growing refugee and food crisis.
In Libya, anti-government protesters in the capital Tripoli came under heavy gunfire on Friday, reports say.
State TV showed pictures of embattled leader Muammar Gaddafi addressing supporters.
At the UN, Mr Ban said "clear and egregious" violations of human rights had occurred in Libya, and more than 1,000 people had died in the unrest so far.
"It is time for the Security Council to consider concrete action," Mr Ban told the 15-nation council. "The hours and the days ahead will be decisive for Libyans."
Mr Ban said 22,000 people had fled Libya via Tunisia, and a further 15,000 via Egypt.
"Much larger numbers are trapped and unable to leave," he added. "There are widespread reports of refugees being harassed and threatened with guns and knives."
He said it was important for neighbouring countries, including those in Europe, to keep their borders open to those fleeing the violence.
Mr Ban also said that there was a food crisis inside Libya that the UN World Food Programme (WFP) expected to worsen.
The WFP says Libya's food supply chain is at risk of collapse because imports have not been getting into the country and food distribution is hampered by violence.
Diplomats at the UN Security Council say Britain and France have drawn up a draft resolution with a package of measures aimed at isolating Libya's political and military leaders.
Elements could include targeted sanctions, an arms embargo, and a proposed referral of the situation in Libya to the International Criminal Court.
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