AJC Praises U.N. Human Rights Council Call to Investigate Libya's Crimes

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Feb 25, 2011, 04:00 ET

NEW YORK, Feb. 25, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AJC welcomed the U.N. Human Rights Council resolution strongly condemning Libya. It calls for establishing a U.N. commission of inquiry to investigate the brutal, deadly crackdown on protesters across Libya, and to consider whether crimes against humanity were committed by the Qaddafi regime.

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"The U.N. Human Rights Council has vigorously asserted its role in defending human rights by at long last deploring the rogue regime of Muammar Qaddafi for its brazen violence," said AJC Executive Director David Harris. "The Libyan regime's flagrant human rights abuses deserve the fullest investigation and punishment by the world body."

Today's Human Rights Council meeting in Geneva marked the first time the body held an emergency session to address human rights violations by one of its 47 members.

"We now look to the U.N. General Assembly to suspend Libya from its membership in the Human Rights Council, which is possible with a two-thirds majority of those present and voting," said Harris.

Last weekend, AJC called for the emergency session in Geneva and became the first voice in the world to propose suspending Libya's membership in the Council.

AJC also expressed appreciation for U.S. and EU leadership in drafting and securing passage of the Council's resolution.

"This is by no means the only action needed to bring down the Qaddafi regime, so Libyans can begin a new era, but the Human Rights Council has delivered a stern message of warning to Libya – and of hope to the protesters," said Harris.

SOURCE American Jewish Committee