UK Urges Libyan Parties to Uphold Promises for Security, Economic Prosperity, and Democratic Freedom at UN Security Council

Thank you, Special Representative of the Secretary-General Tetteh, for your insightful briefing. The United Kingdom stands firmly behind UNSMIL and expresses its appreciation for your ongoing efforts to advance Libya’s political landscape.

Significant Progress in the Political Landscape

We find ourselves at a pivotal moment in the roadmap you have outlined. Recent advancements have opened a path to transition Libya from a state of political impasse towards a more promising and sustainable future.

To seize this opportunity, it is imperative that the commitments outlined on paper are transformed into tangible actions.

Firstly, regarding the 4+4 process, we commend the recent agreement achieved. The mutual commitment from both parties to amend Libya’s electoral laws and to conduct parliamentary and presidential elections within the next 24 months represents a significant leap forward.

However, it is crucial for the participants in the 4+4 process to honour their commitments. This means refraining from reopening settled matters and actively involving broader stakeholders to ensure that these agreements are fully acknowledged by both legislative bodies.

Such measures are essential to safeguarding the compromises reached by both sides and to moving beyond the political deadlock that has threatened to plunge the nation into instability and economic turmoil.

Preserving the Role of UNSMIL

Secondly, it is vital to uphold UNSMIL’s fundamental mandate of facilitating a durable and inclusive political settlement. The mission also plays a crucial role in supporting the reunification of Libya’s political, economic, military, and security institutions.

Achieving progress towards a singular executive authority is fundamental to establishing a lasting political resolution.

Additionally, it is important to maintain UNSMIL’s commitment to advancing human rights and safeguarding the fundamental freedoms of the Libyan people, as part of a process that is led and owned by Libyans themselves. This includes the ongoing promotion of full, equal, and meaningful participation of women at all levels of governance.

Emphasising Accountability and Justice

Thirdly, the issue of accountability cannot be overlooked. Reports detailing enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions, and assaults on civilian infrastructure are profoundly concerning.

Ensuring accountability for human rights violations and abuses is paramount, necessitating enhanced independence and capacity within Libya’s judiciary and institutions to gather evidence and investigate these violations effectively.

In this regard, the United Kingdom welcomes the commitment made by the parties involved in the 4+4 process during their meeting on 4 October to take all necessary actions to prevent the fragmentation of Libya’s judiciary.

A Call for Commitment to the Libyan People

Madame President, the recent developments clearly illustrate that progress is attainable. It is now the responsibility of Libyan parties to honour the commitments they have made, in order to provide their citizens with the democratic choices, economic opportunities, and security they rightfully seek.