Penal

United Nations

S/RES/1970 (2011)*
Distr.: General 26 February 2011

Security Council

Resolution 1970 (2011)
Adopted by the Security Council at its 6491st meeting, on 26 February 2011
The Security Council, Expressing grave concern at the situation in the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya and condemning the violence and use of force against civilians, Deploring the gross and systematic violation ofhuman rights, including the repression of peaceful demonstrators, expressing deep concern at the deaths of civilians, and rejecting unequivocally the incitement to hostility and violence against the civilian population made from the highest level of the Libyan government, Welcoming the condemnation by the Arab League, the African Union, and the Secretary General of the Organization of the IslamicConference of the serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law that are being committed in the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Taking note of the letter to the President of the Security Council from the Permanent Representative of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya dated 26 February 2011, Welcoming the Human Rights Council resolution A/HRC/RES/S-15/1 of 25 February 2011, including thedecision to urgently dispatch an independent international commission of inquiry to investigate all alleged violations of international human rights law in the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, to establish the facts and circumstances of such violations and of the crimes perpetrated, and where possible identify those responsible, Considering that the widespread and systematic attacks currently taking place inthe Libyan Arab Jamahiriya against the civilian population may amount to crimes against humanity, Expressing concern at the plight of refugees forced to flee the violence in the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Expressing concern also at the reports of shortages of medical supplies to treat the wounded,

* Second reissue for technical reasons (10 March 2011).

11-24558* (E)

*1124558*

S/RES/1970(2011)

Recalling the Libyan authorities’ responsibility to protect its population, Underlining the need to respect the freedoms of peaceful assembly and of expression, including freedom of the media, Stressing the need to hold to account those responsible for attacks, including by forces under their control, on civilians, Recalling article 16 of the Rome Statute under which no investigation orprosecution may be commenced or proceeded with by the International Criminal Court for a period of 12 months after a Security Council request to that effect, Expressing concern for the safety of foreign nationals and their rights in the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Reaffirming its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity of the Libyan ArabJamahiriya. Mindful of its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security under the Charter of the United Nations, Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, and taking measures under its Article 41, 1. Demands an immediate end to the violence and calls for steps to fulfil the legitimate demands of the population; 2. Urges the Libyan authorities to:

(a)Act with the utmost restraint, respect human rights and international humanitarian law, and allow immediate access for international human rights monitors; (b) Ensure the safety of all foreign nationals and their assets and facilitate the departure of those wishing to leave the country; (c) Ensure the safe passage of humanitarian and medical supplies, and humanitarian agencies and workers, intothe country; and (d) Immediately lift restrictions on all forms of media;

3. Requests all Member States, to the extent possible, to cooperate in the evacuation of those foreign nationals wishing to leave the country; ICC referral 4. Decides to refer the situation in the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya since 15 February 2011 to the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court; 5. Decides that the...