Global General

UN Human Rights Council calls to suspend Libya's membership

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-02-26 13:37

GENEVA - The United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council Friday adopted a resolution calling on the UN General Assembly to consider suspending Libya's right to membership in the Geneva forum.

The resolution was made at the council's special session on the Libya situation, during which participating members unanimously agreed to send an independent investigation team to Libya.

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The document also voices grave concern over the Libyan unrest, and urges the Libyan authorities to ensure the safety of civilians and allow free entry of international human rights and humanitarian groups.

The proposal to suspend Libya's membership was pushed by Britain, France, Belgium and other European countries at the session, while other members such as Angola and Cuba called on internal dialogues among various Libyan entities and a solution reached among Libyans themselves without external interference.

The Chinese delegation told the session that China is very concerned about the situation in Libya and strongly hopes for a quick restoration of social stability in the country.

China also urged Libyan authorities to ensure the safety and legitimate rights of foreign nationals in the country.

Libya has been a member of the Human Rights Council since May 2010.

A two-thirds majority in the General Assembly would be required for an unprecedented membership suspension in the Human Rights Council, which was set up nearly five years ago.