Secretary Clinton's Comments on the Special Session of the Human Rights Council on the Situation in Libya

Special Session of the Human Rights Council on the Situation in Libya

Press Statement

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State

Washington, DC

February 25, 2011

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The United States welcomes today’s action by the UN Human Rights Council condemning human rights violations and violence committed by the Libyan government against its own people, and we strongly support the Council’s establishment of an independent commission of inquiry to investigate these violations with a view towards ensuring that those responsible are held accountable. The Council also recommended suspending Libya’s membership and our Mission at the United Nations in New York is working with partners in the General Assembly to build support for a resolution to do so.

These steps underscore the international community's profound concern about the abuses in Libya, and we urge all nations to speak with one voice in support of universal human rights. That includes an immediate end to Libyan government violence against the Libyan people and support for the universal rights of peaceful assembly, free speech, and self-determination. The Libyan people should be able to determine their own destiny.

Today’s vote must be followed by sustained commitment and consistent action, and I will discuss this challenge with my colleagues at the Human Rights Council in Geneva on Monday.