UK Urges Libya’s Leaders to Seize Opportunity for Political Progress at UN Security Council Meeting

Madam President, I wish to address three key aspects regarding the political process, the significance of stability, and the protection of human rights in Libya.

Support for an Inclusive Political Process

The United Kingdom reiterates its unwavering support for Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) Tetteh and all initiatives aimed at fostering an inclusive, credible, and Libyan-led political process. Almost a year ago, this Council endorsed SRSG Tetteh’s briefing, which outlined a roadmap for elections in Libya, thus creating an opportunity for substantial progress in the political landscape.

Now, a year later, the initial two milestones of this roadmap remain unfulfilled by the Libyan parties. The citizens of Libya have made their desires abundantly clear: they seek advancement in the political process leading to elections, as well as the establishment of unified, robust, and accountable institutions.

We strongly urge Libya’s leaders to seize this opportunity to implement the roadmap and take decisive steps towards facilitating elections. Two immediate actions that could demonstrate both commitment and progress include the implementation of the US-facilitated unified budget agreement and the finalisation of the outcomes from the UNSMIL-facilitated ‘4+4’ discussions.

Stability as a Foundation for Economic Prosperity

Progress in the political process is integral to fostering stability, which in turn lays the groundwork for economic certainty, a stable Dinar, job creation, youth employment, and reliable supplies of fuel and essential goods, as highlighted by Ms Bek in her recent briefing. Conversely, stagnation in the political arena jeopardises stability, and recent weeks have revealed troubling indicators of this risk.

We have been made aware of several concerning developments, including issues surrounding the Governor of the Central Bank, the assassination of the Chief of Military Intelligence of the Libyan National Army, and targeted drone strikes on vital infrastructure in Zawiya. Additionally, protests stemming from widespread discontent have emerged.

It is the Libyan populace that bears the brunt of any instability. The opportunity for progress is present, but it is not endless.

Commitment to Human Rights Protection

In the realm of human rights, the United Kingdom welcomes the recent announcements regarding the release of detainees in both Western and Eastern Libya. We urge Libyan institutions to put an end to the practice of arbitrary detentions. It is crucial to empower law enforcement and judicial bodies to investigate human rights abuses and hold perpetrators accountable, irrespective of their affiliations, while dismantling the criminal gangs involved in organised immigration crime.

As highlighted in the Secretary-General’s latest report, organised immigration crime poses significant protection risks, including harassment, arbitrary arrests, and forcible transfers. This issue disproportionately affects women and girls and has the potential to exacerbate instability both within Libya and beyond its borders.

Madam President, the United Kingdom is committed to fostering democratic choice, security, and prosperity for the people of Libya. Through the mandate of this Council and the efforts of our UN Mission, the international community is dedicated to supporting the realisation of these objectives.

We perceive a crucial opportunity at this moment. We encourage all involved to progress during this window and to support those who are willing to take the necessary steps towards achieving these goals.