Statement by the Republic of Slovenia at the UN Security Council briefing on the situation in Libya

Thank you, President.

I wish to thank Deputy SRSG and Officer in Charge of UNSMIL Ms. Khoury, and Chair of the 1970 Sanctions Committee Ambassador Yamazaki for their updates. I also welcome the Ambassador of Libya to this briefing.

I start today by expressing Slovenia’s concern about the latest security developments on the ground in Libya. Firstly, we condemn the clashes witnessed in recent days in densely populated areas of Tripoli, including the use of heavy projectiles, which have reportedly resulted in civilian casualties and displacement. As tensions are high, we urge all actors to exercise maximum restraint and to respect international humanitarian and international human rights law. All efforts towards de-escalation are welcome and should be encouraged.

Secondly, the military mobilisation and movements in the southwest of the country are a matter of deep concern. Such moves risk escalating confrontation and violence. The ceasefire agreement of October 2020 should be preserved and fully implemented, and coordination between military and security actors east and west should be enhanced towards unification. The withdrawal of all foreign forces, foreign fighters and mercenaries from Libyan territory is also key.

The deteriorating security environment threatens to exacerbate the precarious position of many people in Libya who are in need. Nearly 100,000 refugees from Sudan find themselves in the country. Many more are expected. In addition, thousands of Libyans are now being displaced due to extreme flooding. Peace and stability are required to support an effective and long-term humanitarian and development response.

President,

The fragile security situation has clearly not come about in a vacuum. It is driven in part or largely by the political stalemate which has become so entrenched in Libya.

Unilateral actions taken by Libyan political actors and institutions are unhelpful and fly in the face of the will of the Libyan people, more than 2 million of whom have registered to vote in long-overdue national elections. This political stalemate only further empowers armed actors, deepens divisions and denies the Libyans their legitimate democratic rights.

We call for dialogue and compromise between all Libyan actors, and fully support UN efforts to facilitate an inclusive Libyan-led and -owned political process, to reach presidential and parliamentary elections. It is critical that all efforts on the political front be consolidated and coordinated. We urge Libyan actors to engage with the UN process in good faith and without preconditions.

We furthermore stress the need for the country’s institutions and economic affairs to be shielded from political interference.

President,

A political transition and national reconciliation in Libya will only be successful if women are empowered to participate fully, equally, meaningfully and safely in all processes related to the future of their country.

This is especially relevant in the context of upcoming municipal elections. The Libyan authorities should do everything in their power to deliver these elections, and encourage and enable women to take part both as voters and as candidates.

We welcome the work undertaken by UNSMIL in training young women, as well as engaging with a diverse range of Libyan civil society. We reiterate that civic space should be expanded and protected in Libya, not restricted. It is an integral part of the fabric of any thriving society and state. The unlawful deprivation of liberty across Libya, including of political activists and journalists, is therefore particularly alarming and we call for it to cease.  

In concluding, Mr. President, we look forward to the appointment of a successor to the role of Special Representative in due course and we offer our full support to Deputy Khoury in the interim, as she works to move an inclusive political process forward.

Thank you.

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