The UN Human Rights Council calls for investigation into civilian killings in Libya

Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs commented: “It is important that the international community gives a united response to the authorities’ gross violations of human rights and that the perpetrators are brought to justice.”

On Friday, the UN Human Rights Council adopted a resolution condemning the Libyan authorities’ gross and systematic violations of human rights. It maintains that the attacks against peaceful protesters may amount to crimes against humanity. The resolution was adopted at a special session on Libya that was held in Geneva following a Norwegian-supported EU initiative.

The resolution sets out that an independent commission of inquiry should be established to investigate the gross violations of human rights that have recently taken place. The purpose is to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

The Human Rights Council also urges the Libyan authorities in the strongest terms to stop the ruthless violence and killings of the country’s own citizens and to provide immediate access for humanitarian assistance.

The resolution also advocates the suspension of Libya’s membership of the UN Human Rights Council. This would have to be decided by a two-thirds majority vote in the UN General Assembly.

“The behaviour of the Libyan authorities is not compatible with membership of the UN Human Rights Council. The Council’s decisive resolution is also a clear signal to the opposition in Libya that they have the support of the international community,” said Foreign Minister Støre.