General Statement by H.E. Mr. Tsuneo Nishida
Permanent Representative of Japan
following the adoption of draft resolution A/65/L.60
on Suspension of the rights of membership of the Libyan Arab
Jamahiriya in the Human Rights Council
Agenda item 117, General Assembly
1 March 2011

Mr. President,.

Last May, the General Assembly elected the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya as a member of the Human Rights Council. Japan is deeply concerned at this time about the gross and systematic violations of human rights currently being committed by the Libyan government. On that basis, Japan co-sponsored this draft resolution to suspend the rights of membership of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya in the Human Rights Council.

Japan condemns the government’s violence and use of force against its own citizens. We express our deepest condolences to the families of the many victims of such violence and extend our heartfelt sympathy to the injured. All perpetrators of these heinous acts must be brought to justice.

Japan urges the Libyan authorities including Leader Muammar Al Qadhafi to immediately halt the violence against the people of Libya and urgently calls on those authorities to fulfill without delay the demands set forth in Human Rights Council resolution S-15/1 and Security Council resolution 1970.

Lastly, Japan strongly hopes that Libya, once stability is restored, will move forward with fundamental reform that adequately reflects the broad spectrum of the opinions of the Libyan people, in accordance with all international human rights instruments to which Libya is party, and will ensure the promotion and protection of human rights.

I thank you, Mr. President.