The United Nations general assembly has unanimously suspended Libya's membership of the UN Human Rights Council, citing the government's use of violence against protesters.

A statement said that Libya had committed "gross and systematic violations of human rights". The vote was passed by consensus during a session of the general assembly on Tuesday.

While Libya has not been permanently removed from the council, it will be prevented from participation until the general assembly decides whether or not to restore its status.

The resolution was sponsored by Arab and African states.