Hundreds of sub-Saharan Africans have been fleeing across Libya's southern border to escape the violence. The International Organisation for Migration says they are being given shelter and food in Niger, but many are ill or injured after being targeted by Libyans fearful of the African mercenaries reputedly recruited by Colonel Gaddafi to maintain his grip on the country. The organisation said it believed many other sub-Saharan Africans were unable to get out.
An emergency session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva has recommended suspending Libya from the body. The council also
authorise
d an international investigation into the violence in the country with a view to prosecuting those responsible. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay told the council the priority should be the safety of the civilian population.
"I am hoping that the Human Rights Council will take action on the immediate concern which is the safety of Libyans, who face risks to their lives, who face bloodshed. So all possible international action that can be done should be taken for the protection of civilians."
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay.
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Big street protests have been taking place across the Arab world. In Iraq, where demonstrations focused on corruption and economic problems, at least 11 people were killed in clashes between security forces and protesters. In Tunisia, tens of thousands of people rallied to demand the resignation of the transitional government, set up to replace President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.