Commitment to an Inclusive Political Process
Madam President, 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. Nearly a year ago, this Council acknowledged SRSG Tetteh’s briefing that outlined a roadmap towards elections in Libya, providing a much-needed opportunity for advancement in the political landscape.
As we reflect on the past year, it is evident that the initial milestones set forth in the roadmap have yet to be realised by Libya’s political factions. The Libyan populace has made their desires abundantly clear—they seek tangible progress towards elections and the establishment of unified, robust, and accountable institutions.
We strongly urge Libya’s leaders to seize this opportunity to act decisively in implementing the roadmap and to move resolutely towards elections. There are two critical steps that could be undertaken immediately to signal both progress and commitment: the implementation of the US-facilitated unified budget agreement and the finalisation of the outcomes from the UNSMIL-facilitated ‘4+4’ small convening discussions.
The Link Between Political Progress and Stability
Advancing the political process is essential for ensuring stability, which in turn provides the best foundation for economic certainty, a stable Dinar, job creation, and youth employment. Additionally, it promotes reliable supplies of fuel and essential goods and services—elements that were eloquently outlined by Ms Bek during her briefing.
Conversely, stagnation in political progress jeopardises stability, and recent weeks have revealed several troubling indicators in this regard. We have heard this morning about alarming developments, including issues surrounding the Governor of the Central Bank, the assassination of the Chief of Military Intelligence for the Libyan National Army, and targeted drone strikes on critical infrastructure in Zawiya.
Moreover, we have witnessed protests stemming from widespread frustrations among the populace. Ultimately, it is the Libyan people who bear the brunt of any instability that arises. Although a window for progress is currently open, it is important to recognise that it will not remain so indefinitely.
Human Rights Protection and Accountability
The United Kingdom welcomes recent announcements regarding the release of detainees in both Western and Eastern Libya. We strongly encourage Libyan institutions to put an end to the practice of arbitrary detentions. It is imperative to empower law enforcement and judicial entities to investigate human rights abuses and hold perpetrators accountable, irrespective of their affiliations. Additionally, dismantling the criminal networks involved in organised immigration crime is crucial.
As highlighted in the Secretary-General’s latest report, organised immigration crime poses significant protection risks, including harassment, arbitrary arrests, and forced transfers. This issue disproportionately affects women and girls and has the potential to exacerbate instability within Libya and beyond.
Madam President, the United Kingdom envisions a future characterised by democratic choice, security, and prosperity for the Libyan people. Through the mandate of this Council and the efforts of our UN Mission, the international community is dedicated to supporting the achievement of these objectives.
We currently have a unique opportunity for progress, and we implore all parties to act within this timeframe, providing support to those who take the necessary steps towards realising these goals.