UN rights chief warns Libya of 'crimes against humanity'

[maddezmom]

Source: AFP

GENEVA, Feb 22, 2011 (AFP) - The UN's human rights chief on Tuesday warned Libyan authorities that systematic and widespread attacks against the civilian population could amount to "crimes against humanity".

"The authorities should immediately cease such illegal acts of violence against demonstrators," UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay said in a statement.

"Widespread and systematic attacks against the civilian population may amount to crimes against humanity," she said.

The UN rights chief urged a halt to the violence.

"The callousness with which Libyan authorities and their hired guns are reportedly shooting live rounds of ammunition at peaceful protestors is unconscionable," she noted.



Read more: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidANA20110222T104102ZSWH61/UN%20rights%20chief%20warns%20Libya%20of%20'crimes%20against%20humanity'

[dipsydoodle]

1. And what about

the crimes which occurred against the civilian population in Iraq ?

[David__77]

3. And so many want that crime repeated by the US in Libya.

The "left" has no memory.

[pampango]

2. If it's a "crime against humanity" (if it's not, I'm not sure what is) the UN has a "Responsibility

to Protect".

Responsibility to protect populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity

138. Each individual State has the responsibility to protect its populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity. This responsibility entails the prevention of such crimes, including their incitement, through appropriate and necessary means. We accept that responsibility and will act in accordance with it. The international community should, as appropriate, encourage and help States to exercise this responsibility and support the United Nations in establishing an early warning capability.

139. The international community, through the United Nations, also has the responsibility to use appropriate diplomatic, humanitarian and other peaceful means, in accordance with Chapters VI and VIII of the Charter, to help to protect populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity. In this context, we are prepared to take collective action, in a timely and decisive manner, through the Security Council, in accordance with the Charter, including Chapter VII, on a case-by-case basis and in cooperation with relevant regional organizations as appropriate, should peaceful means be inadequate and national authorities are manifestly failing to protect their populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity. We stress the need for the General Assembly to continue consideration of the responsibility to protect populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity and its implications, bearing in mind the principles of the Charter and international law. We also intend to commit ourselves, as necessary and appropriate, to helping States build capacity to protect their populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity and to assisting those which are under stress before crises and conflicts break out.

http://www.un.org/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=a/res/60/1

[David__77]

4. Action against the rioters?

Who are you referring to?