Clinton applauds UN for suspending Libya from UNHRC

Welcoming the move, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton demanded an immediate halt to violence perpetrated by the Libyan regime led by Muammar Gaddafi against its own citizens.
"The General Assembly has made it clear that governments that turn their guns on their own people have no place on the Human Rights Council," Clinton said.

"Today’s historic action is the first time that any country serving on the Human Rights Council, or the Commission before it, has ever had its membership suspended," she said, adding that the international community is speaking with one voice and the message is unmistakable: "these violations of universal rights are unacceptable and will not be tolerated."

Clinton said, two years ago, the US has announced that it would seek to join the Human Rights Council with a commitment to reform the Council from within.

"The actions the Council has taken over the last few days, setting the stage for today’s decision, is the latest example that our engagement is paying dividends, even as we keep pressing for further reforms," she said.

"The United States will continue to work with the international community on additional steps to hold the Gaddafi government accountable, provide humanitarian assistance to those in need, and support the Libyan people as they pursue a transition to democracy," she added.