UN Human Rights Council recommends suspension of Libya's membership

Geneva, Feb 26(ANI): The United Nations Human Rights Council has 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, Xinhua news agency reports.

Britain, France, Belgium and other European countries pushed for the suspension of Libya's membership.

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

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.

A two-thirds majority in the General Assembly would be required for an unprecedented membership suspension in the Human Rights Council.

Libya has been in the grip of turmoil since anti-Gaddafi protests began on February 15.

Two days later, the government launched a violent crackdown on protesters, with witnesses reporting that mercenaries had been hired to patrol the streets and fire on citizens indiscriminately with machine guns and heavy weapons.

The use of air attacks against civilian targets have also been reported by witnesses and air force personnel who have refused to carry out those orders. (ANI)