UN Security Council imposes sanctions on the Libyan regime

The UN Security Council has adopted a resolution imposing targeted sanctions on the Libyan regime and has referred the situation in Libya to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for investigation. “This is an appropriate and important step in response to the unacceptable situation in Libya,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

The resolution imposing targeted sanctions on the Libyan authorities was adopted unanimously by the Security Council on Saturday evening. It is the first time the Council has unanimously referred a situation in a country to the ICC for investigation of grave crimes. Norway welcomes the resolution.

“This resolution is historic. It condemns the Gaddafi regime’s use of violence against its own people, and sends a clear message that impunity is unacceptable and that the international community stands behind the Libyan people,” said Foreign Minister Støre.

The resolution was adopted against a backdrop of recent reports of serious and systematic human rights violations, including arbitrary killings and arrests, the use of live ammunition against peaceful protesters, the detention and torture of members of the opposition, the use of foreign mercenaries, and increasing refugee flows and lack of access for humanitarian actors.

“It is essential that the international community now step up its efforts to end the violence, re-establish respect for human rights and bring perpetrators to justice,” said Mr Støre, who also underlined the need to address humanitarian challenges in the region.

The targeted sanctions include an arms embargo, and impose a travel ban and assets freeze on specific individuals associated with the Libyan regime. The resolution, which was adopted under Article 41 of the UN Charter’s Chapter VII, does not mandate the use of military force. As a member of the UN, Norway has an obligation under international law to implement sanctions adopted by the UN.

On Monday, Foreign Minister Støre will travel to Geneva, where he will discuss the situation in Libya and the Middle East with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and other countries’ foreign ministers in connection with the opening of the 16th session of the UN Human Rights Council.