MICHELE NORRIS, host:
From NPR News, this is ALL THINGS CONSIDERED. I'm Michele Norris.
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And I'm Robert Siegel.
From NATO headquarters in Brussels to the United Nations in Geneva and New York, diplomats have been scrambling, trying to come up with ways to stop the bloodshed in Libya. The U.N.'s top human rights official said the world must step in vigorously to protect Libyan protesters.
As NPR's Michele Kelemen reports, the U.S. is imposing targeted sanctions and working with others to step up pressure on Moammar Gadhafi's regime.
MICHELE KELEMEN: U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay says witnesses have been reporting horrifying scenes from Libya and thousands may have been killed or injured in the ongoing crackdown.
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Ms. NAVI PILLAY (High Commissioner for Human Rights, United Nations): In brazen and continuing breach of international law, the crackdown in Libya of peaceful demonstrations is escalating alarmingly, with reported mass killings, arbitrary arrests, detention and torture of protesters. Tanks, helicopters and military aircraft have reportedly been used indiscriminately to attack the protesters.
KELEMEN: She says doctors are reporting that most victims have been shot in the head, chest or neck, suggesting summary executions. The Human Rights Council in Geneva unanimously agreed to launch an immediate investigation into the abuses. And Pillay says everyone must do more, especially Libya's neighbors, to protect people who have been calling out for help.
Ms. PILLAY: We owe them our solidarity and protection from violence.
KELEMEN: There was a dramatic moment at the meeting today when Libya's representative, Abdul Shalut, announced that more diplomats are breaking ranks with Moammar Gadhafi's regime.
Mr. ABDUL SHALUT (Libyan Delegate to U.N. Human Rights Council): (Through translator) I wish to emphasize and underscore that we in the Libyan mission have categorically decided to serve as representatives of the Libyan people and their free will. We only represent the Libyan people.
KELEMEN: At the U.N. in New York, another Libyan diplomat no longer representing Gadhafi called for immediate sanctions and an arms embargo, actions now being considered by the U.N. Security Council. In Brussels, NATO also held urgent talks on Libya today to be prepared for, quote, "any eventuality."
Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen says the alliance can help coordinate an international response, once members decide what they want to do. But for now, he says many NATO members are just trying to get their citizens out of harm's way.
Secretary-General ANDERS FOGH RASMUSSEN (NATO): Clearly, priority must be given to evacuation and possibly also humanitarian assistance.
KELEMEN: The U.S. managed today to evacuate Americans by air and by sea and White House spokesman Jay Carney says the U.S. has now closed its embassy in Tripoli. He says the Obama administration is working on sanctions and warning banks to look out for suspicious Libyan activities. And Carney says the U.S. is keeping a close watch on Gadhafi.
Mr. JAY CARNEY (Spokesman, White House): The United States is utilizing the full extent of its intelligence capabilities to monitor the Gadhafi regime's actions. And we are particularly vigilant for evidence of further violence or atrocities committed against the Libyan people.
KELEMEN: President Obama, Carney adds, continues to work the phones talking with leaders of Britain, France, Italy and Turkey to coordinate an international response.
Michele Kelemen, NPR News, Washington.
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