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UN Human Rights Council Appoints Libya Inquiry Commission

UN Human Rights Council Appoints Libya Inquiry Commission

[12/March/2011]

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Geneva, March 12 (Saba) - The UN Human Rights Council named three high-level experts here on Friday to investigate alleged violations of international human rights law in Libya, according to Qatar News Agency (QNA).

The appointment followed a Council decision two weeks ago at its Special Session on Libyan crisis. Following the recommendation of the Session, the UN General Assembly suspended Libya's membership in Human Rights Council.

In a press briefing held on Friday, the President of Human Rights Council Sihasak Phuangketkeow announced the nomination of Egyptian law professor Cherif Bassiouni, Jordanian human rights advocate Asma Khader and Canadian lawyer Philippe Kirsch as members of the Commission.

"The task of the Commission is to investigate all alleged violations of human rights and to establish the facts surrounding these alleged violations and the crimes perpetrated, and where possible identify those responsible and consider accountability measures," Phuangketkeow said in the announcement.

Phuangketkeow said he wanted the Commission to get into Libya as soon as possible and would contact the Libyan authorities to assist their work.

The Commission was expected to start its work in the next two weeks and report to the Council's next session in June.

About 250,000 people have fled Libya since the uprising began last month, officials said Friday.

Saba

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