“African governments’ nomination of Libya as chair of the next United Nations Commission on Human Rights undercuts their new commitment to promote human rights and good governance, Human Rights Watch said today.

Africa is due to chair the next session of the commission on a rotational basis, and Libya was nominated by the African regional group. Libya’s nomination was confirmed at the recently concluded inaugural summit of the new African Union. The commission will begin its annual session in March 2003.”

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Libya Confirms Why It is Wrong for UN Human Rights Chair: ‘Libya’s claim that its “security and stability” prove respect for human rights demonstrates why Libya is the wrong choice to chair the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, Human Rights Watch said today. Human Rights Watch reiterated its call on the African Union to abandon plans to nominate Libya as next chair for the Commission.’