S/PV.9900 Security Council

In accordance with rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representative of Libya to participate in this meeting. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite Ms. Hanna Serwaa Tetteh, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Libya and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya, to participate in this meeting. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. I wish to draw the attention of Council members to document S/2025/223, which contains the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Support Mission in Libya. I now give the floor to Ms. Tetteh. Ms. Tetteh: I thank the Council for its support since my appointment as the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Libya. The Council’s backing enables the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) to effectively implement its mandate. Since my arrival in February, I have engaged in extensive consultations with Libyans from all walks of life  — political, military, security and judicial actors; oversight institutions; political parties; civil society; women’s leaders and also the diplomatic community. Their insights and their perspectives on Libya’s current state of affairs have been invaluable. I have heard diverse opinions. Most Libyan leaders call for an inclusive political process and note the urgent need to end unilateral actions, unify institutions and restore stability. Some believe that a new unified Government is the only solution, while others argue that it will prolong the nearly 15-year transition period. That school of thought stresses the importance of strengthening existing institutions, noting that establishing a transitional Government has not addressed Libya’s fundamental challenges. All parties agree on holding elections, but there are differing views on whether a constitutional framework should precede general elections. Political will for compromise is crucial to develop a consensual road map, resolving Libya’s political crisis and completing the transition. Elections must be integrated into a comprehensive political framework that promotes State-building by unifying and strengthening institutions. UNSMIL is supporting the work of the advisory committee to develop options for addressing contentious electoral issues. The committee held sessions in Benghazi and Tripoli, including with the 6+6 Committee and the High National Elections Commission, to discuss those challenges. The Committee is finalizing its deliberations and is expected to submit its report proposing options on the way forward by the end of the month, barring any delays. I would like to express my thanks to the committee for its commitment to that important endeavour. UNSMIL will assess the options and use them as a foundation for forging consensus on the next steps in the Libyan-led and -owned political process. In parallel, I have been Libya’s political crisis persists, owing to competition for economic resources. Fragmented institutions, unilateral actions that deepen divisions and the lack of a unified budget exacerbate the situation, causing macroeconomic instability characterized by foreign exchange deficits, inflation and currency depreciation. In parallel to the work of the advisory committee, UNSMIL has been engaging economic experts to identify reforms for financial management and sustainability. We will continue consultations to foster progress and are ready to support the key political stakeholders in agreeing on a unified budget to prevent a looming crisis. Maintaining the independence of key oversight institutions is crucial, and they must be safeguarded by political actors. That includes the National Audit Bureau. Appointments and removals of the leaders of those institutions must adhere to the provisions of the Libyan Political Agreement. The discontinuation of the National Oil Corporation’s crude oil-for-fuel transactions from 1 March is a positive development that promotes greater transparency in oil sales. We encourage the Government to ensure timely funding of fuel imports based on domestic demand. Given the mutual accusations following the devaluation of the dinar last week by the Central Bank, several Libyan stakeholders have suggested conducting an audit of the key Libyan State institutions by one of the top five international audit companies. We think that that would provide clarity on the management of public finances and help to address the lapses and shortcomings of those institutions. The 2020 ceasefire agreement is largely holding, but the security situation remains volatile. Amid continued military build-up and hostile competition for territorial control, especially among western armed groups, recent armed mobilization in and around Tripoli has renewed concerns about a potential outbreak of violence in the capital. In the southern region, the ongoing restructuring of, and consolidation of control by, the Libyan national armed forces continues to fuel tensions with local stakeholders and has resulted in heavy fighting in loss of life in Qatrun. The situation will remain fragile until there is the political will to unify security and military forces under a shared vision. To enhance communication and information-sharing with UNSMIL’s facilitation, the security and military authorities from eastern and western Libya have established joint border security centres in Tripoli and soon will do so in Benghazi. Those centres aim to enhance communication and information-sharing across the country. Support from regional and international partners is crucial to the success of any political agreement. In March, I visited Algeria, Egypt, Tunisia and Türkiye to highlight UNSMIL’s efforts aimed at strengthening its political engagement and to provide an update on UNSMIL’s support for the advisory committee. I emphasized the risks in maintaining the status quo for Libya’s unity and regional stability and welcomed assessments and views on how to overcome the political impasse. As I continue those engagements, I am exploring options to enhance the effectiveness and inclusivity of existing coordination mechanisms at the regional and international levels so as to build the necessary support to advance the political process. One of the tragic consequences of Libya’s divided institutions is the vacuum in which armed actors perpetrate human rights violations with impunity. The recent surge in xenophobic and racist hate speech has been alarming, as it is inciting violence against migrants, asylum seekers, refugees and the humanitarian organizations that are providing life-saving support, by portraying migrants as security threats. That has sparked demonstrations, mass arrests and a fatal shooting. The activities of Arbitrary detention continues to be prevalent in Libya, including the targeting of legal professionals and political opponents. While recent releases in eastern and western Libya are a positive development, hundreds of individuals still languish in illegal detention. I strongly urge the authorities to ensure that arrests be conducted in accordance with the law and that those deprived of their liberty be afforded their due process rights and a fair trial. Furthermore, I emphasize the urgent need to release all individuals arbitrarily detained without delay. Women in Libya face significant challenges and violence and lack adequate social or legal protection. In response to that concern, Libyan experts conducted extensive consultations to develop a draft law on the protection of women against violence. That comprehensive law, which addresses protection gaps and aligns with international standards, was endorsed by members of the House of Representatives in November 2023 and cleared by the Legislative Committee in January 2024. I would urge the House of Representatives to expedite the adoption of that law without further delay. As the national reconciliation process has become politicized, victims’ long- standing calls for truth, justice and reparations remain elusive. I reiterate UNSMIL’s commitment to collaborating with all Libyan stakeholders and the African Union to support a rights-based, victim-centred and inclusive reconciliation process. With regard to elections, the second phase of local elections in 62 municipalities, including Tripoli, Benghazi and Sabha, will be taking place, with voter registration concluded on 15 April. Preliminary figures indicate that more than 570,000 voters registered, of whom 31 per cent are women. Those elections are crucial for establishing democratic governance at a grass-roots level. Overall, the first phase of municipal elections was successful. However, due to competing spheres of influence in the absence of a unified Government, in a few municipalities voting results were not respected and the winning candidates were replaced by de facto authorities, as occurred in Harawah. In other cases, municipal boundaries are being changed during the electoral process and the announcements of results are pending owing to allegations of interference. Disputes regarding election outcomes should be resolved through the existing legal frameworks, while respecting the will of voters, ahead of the next round of voting, and that process should be used to strengthen institutional readiness for national elections. At the national level, the dispute over the election of the presidency of the High Council of State remains unresolved, weakening the institutions, and I urge the members to find a compromise solution. Every day, ordinary Libyans face recurring crises — economic, security-related and political. The protracted institutional and political divisions, coupled with harmful unilateral actions and the struggle for control of resources by a privileged few, hold the aspirations and needs of the Libyan people captive. Overspending Libya’s vast resources in the absence of an agreed national budget could lead to an economic collapse if not urgently addressed, despite the fact that the country’s resources could provide adequately for the safety, security and well-being of its citizens. UNSMIL’s objective is to support the Libyan people, to end successive transitions and to establish peace, stability and good governance by, among other While Member States have diverse interests in Libya, the international community must come together to collaborate on a unified plan to support a democratic State that addresses the Libyan people’s fundamental needs and aspirations and fosters economic growth and equitable development. Inaction will be more detrimental than the cost of change.

I thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Libya. This being her first briefing to the Council, I wish to extend our gratitude, our support and our best wishes. I shall now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements. Dame Barbara Woodward (United Kingdom): Let me start, Mr. President, by echoing your welcome and thanks to Special Representative of the Secretary- General Tetteh for briefing us today and for her first briefing to the Council as the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Libya. I would like to make three points. First, Libya’s economic trajectory is alarming. With no unified budget and, as Special Representative of the Secretary-General Tetteh said, no oversight, present levels of public spending by the Libyan authorities risk rapidly diminishing the nation’s wealth. Competition for State resources is putting Libya’s institutions under grave pressure and risks fuelling renewed conflict. Libya has the resources to build a prosperous future. But to achieve it, Libya’s leaders must put aside narrow interests and agree on a unified economic framework in the national interest. We welcome the return of the World Bank to Tripoli to support that work. Secondly, the United Kingdom is deeply concerned by the destabilizing activities of Libyan security actors and armed groups. That includes reports of unlawful and arbitrary detentions, kidnappings, imprisonment without due process and assassination attempts. There needs to be accountability for such acts to support civic space and trust in Libya’s law enforcement. The recent closure of humanitarian organizations’ offices and the detention of their employees is particularly troubling. We urge the Libyan authorities to work with international non-governmental organizations and to resolve differences through dialogue. Humanitarian organizations are an indispensable part of our collective efforts to support Libya, including to help address the Libyan authorities’ concerns about illegal migration. Thirdly, Libya’s economic and security challenges serve to underscore the urgent need for progress on the political track. Libya needs a comprehensive, inclusive political process that will provide the foundation for sound economic governance, the rule of law and accountability and will help to tackle corruption. The United Kingdom strongly supports the efforts of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya and commends Special Representative of the Secretary-General Tetteh for her leadership. A revitalized political process, flowing from the advisory committee’s deliberations, presents a real opportunity to chart a path towards the peace, stability and prosperity that the Libyan people deserve and yearn for, as I heard during my own visit to Libya and in more recent exchanges with young Libyans. We therefore urge all Libyan actors to engage constructively with the United Nations efforts and the advisory committee’s recommendations.

Please let me echo the warm salutations and greetings to Special Representative of the Secretary-General Tetteh. It is good to Protecting the integrity and independence of the key economic institutions, including the Central Bank, the National Oil Corporation and the National Audit Bureau, must be the priority in that process. We urge the Libyan parties to reach agreement on a unified budget with a view to preserving Libya’s economic stability, defending the dinar, investing in Libya’s development and ending persistent conflicts over revenue-sharing, which have led to oil shutdowns in the past. Progress towards military integration is also key to reaffirming Libya’s sovereignty and preventing Libya from becoming enmeshed in regional conflict, especially in the twin crises unfolding nearby in the Sudan and South Sudan. The United States will encourage the process of east-west security integration, including through the training assistance, about which we notified the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011), concerning Libya, just last week. Border security is essential to humanitarian efforts and to controlling illegal migration, given the deteriorating situation in the Sudan and South Sudan and the increasing flows of people across the Libyan border. We are tracking reports that almost 1,000 Sudanese migrants and refugees were rescued or intercepted at sea and returned to Libya. That is more than double last year’s figures, according to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. We urge Libya and regional partners to take ownership of border security and to take action to combat migrant smuggling in a responsible manner. Turning to sanctions, we regret that we will be unable to hear today’s briefing on the activities of the Libya Sanctions Committee. We hope that we will be able to engage on that soon. We also remain concerned about persistent violations of the arms embargo and illegal oil exports, which fuel instability. The European Union Naval Force Mediterranean Operation IRINI is a critical deterrent to would-be smugglers and facilitates the sharing of information about trafficking activities. Its work remains relevant and necessary, and we urge the Council to renew its mandate in the coming weeks. We also encourage Member States, particularly neighbouring countries, to similarly exercise authority to bolster the enforcement of the arms and oil embargoes. We are committed to using sanctions to promote accountability, and we urge the Panel of Experts to identify and investigate those involved in evading the arms embargo. To that end, we will utilize the updated designation criteria to account for individuals and entities destabilizing Libya through the illicit exploitation and export of petroleum.

We are grateful to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Libya and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), Ms. Hanna Tetteh, for her briefing. The internal situation in Libya is showing signs of further deterioration against the backdrop of the continuing dual power structure and the lack of visible progress in the political process. The inter-Libyan conflict is being exacerbated by the entrenched distrust of key parties towards one another. At the same time, the situation in both the west and the east of the former Libyan Arab Jamahiriya remains quite precarious and could entail a fresh wave of destabilization. The prevailing situation in Libya is a grim example of the destructive external interference that has been plunging the We all have high hopes for the new Special Representative, who can count on Russia’s full support in her endeavours to resolve the Libyan crisis and to return the country to normalcy. I would like to believe that she will be able to bridge differences among the opposing parties and help them to reach lasting agreements on the issue of holding nationwide presidential and parliamentary elections. Accordingly, unified governing bodies must be established in which all regions and all influential political forces in the country are fairly represented without exception. That, in our view, would be the optimal outcome, given the current situation. We urge the Special Representative to focus on working diligently with all parties involved, to take their justified interests on board and to patiently strive for consensus among the Libyan protagonists’ positions, which, at times, are irreconcilable. We fully expect the same of the advisory committee that was recently established under the auspices of UNSMIL. We trust that the work of that body, whose recommendations are intended only to inform the Special Representative, will be purely technical in nature. Only once its work has been fully rolled out among the Libyan people must Council members have any involvement in its work. Libyan protagonists cannot be left in any doubt about the Committee’s inclusiveness and impartiality. The central role in coordinating international mediation efforts in Libya undoubtedly belongs to the United Nations and UNSMIL, as its most important instrument. At the same time, we note parallel attempts by Libyan players, who are exasperated at the prolonged stagnation, to revive the political process. We specifically wish to highlight that activity on the interparliamentary track has resumed in the context of cooperation between the House of Representatives and the High State Council of Libya, whose latest meeting took place in Cairo in late February. We see tremendous potential in that. We also welcome African States’ efforts to foster dialogue between Tripoli and Benghazi. It is our hope that the adoption of the charter for national reconciliation, signed by the Libyans on 14 February with the assistance of the African Union, will help to foster greater trust and to normalize relations between the two sides of the divided country. All past experience shows that restoring stability to Libya will not be straightforward. The efforts of countless United Nations representatives, including those of experienced diplomats and professional mediators, have been unable to bring us any closer to that goal. To move the situation forward not only requires will on part of the Libyans themselves but also the concerted efforts of the entire Security Council and the international community as a whole. Attempts by a number of external players to privatize certain aspects of the settlement process, which we witnessed recently, will only exacerbate the crisis in the country. In order to overcome the current deadlock, it would be worthwhile in particular to contemplate the thawing of the Berlin process in its initial format. The protracted internal political deadlock in the country is being accompanied by deteriorating security. Against the backdrop of the absence of pan-Libyan security forces, an assortment of armed groups see themselves as the legitimate masters of the country. We are alarmed at their frequent clashes, which often lead to bloodshed. Under such circumstances, the integration of disparate armed entities into a unified army on the basis of a broad inter-Libyan consensus and the principle of transparency, which would guarantee stability on the ground, is becoming a matter of urgency. That would represent a step forward, in which all Libyans without exception have an interest. In conclusion, we would like to once again wish Ms. Tetteh every success in her new and very important post. It is not only Libyans who are interested in her success, but also the many Africans who continue to suffer the consequences of the destruction of Libyan statehood as a result of NATO’s aggression in 2011. Ultimately, Libya should be able to overcome fragmentation and instability and embark upon a path of cooperation among all political forces and of sustained economic development.

Panama thanks the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Hanna Tetteh, for her briefing on the situation in Libya and appreciates the work of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), in particular under her current leadership. We convey to her our appreciation for her assumption of this important responsibility, while wishing her every success and expressing our readiness to provide support. We acknowledge the presence of the Permanent Representative of Libya at this meeting. We note with concern that Libya continues to be afflicted by institutional and political divisions and a complex security and economic environment. Nonetheless, we also acknowledge some progress, as set out in the Secretary-General’s recent report (S/2025/223), which we regard as encouraging signs on the road to stability and national reconciliation. Panama welcomes the progress that the advisory committee, composed of 20 independent Libyan experts, has made since February. We value the fact that the committee is inclusive and representative in nature, both from a gender perspective and a geographical and cultural diversity standpoint. We see that as a positive step in the political process led and owned by the Libyan people and strongly support UNSMIL’s technical and political support in that endeavour. We acknowledge the joint efforts of the United Nations and the Libyan Government in fostering a frank and ongoing dialogue with the various Libyan political actors with a view to promoting consensus and international support around a shared political road map. Panama reiterates its support for an inclusive political process, led by the Libyan people and enjoying the constructive support of the international community. However, Panama must express its concern at the deterioration in the security situation in various parts of the country. Mounting tensions and competition among armed groups for territorial control are undermining the country’s progress, and we therefore urge all parties to prioritize dialogue over armed confrontation. The implementation of the ceasefire agreement, the withdrawal of foreign forces and fighters and the unification of security and defence institutions remain outstanding tasks that are crucial to peacebuilding. The human rights situation remains of the utmost concern, as enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions and other serious violations of human rights continue to be reported. Of particular concern is the violence against migrants and refugees, who continue to be the victims of trafficking networks, torture and extortion. Those crimes cannot go unpunished. It was also alarming to hear the points Special Representative Tetteh made about the unacceptable practice of using the courts to Lastly, we appeal to all actors — Libyan, local and international — to work in good faith and in the national interests of the Libyan people. Entrenched political and economic interests and institutional divisions must not continue to destabilize the country and impede reconciliation efforts. Fourteen years after the February 2011 revolution, the aspirations of the Libyan people to live in a united, stable and democratic country must be fulfilled.

I would like to thank Special Representative Tetteh for her informative briefing and to take the opportunity to officially congratulate her on assuming her new role. I also would like to welcome the representative of Libya to our meeting today. We look forward to working together with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and hope that, under her leadership, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) can accelerate the momentum to realize a Libyan-led inclusive political process. Allow me to make four points. First, we strongly urge all Libyan stakeholders to engage with UNSMIL and to take all the necessary measures to reach a unifying political agreement. We welcome the continued engagement of the advisory committee and its work on resolving outstanding issues on the electoral framework. We hope that the upcoming recommendations can help to pave the path towards national elections, which are long overdue. Secondly, the economic situation is closely linked to political developments and stability in Libya. Currently, we see how competition over State resources is coming at the expense of Libyan citizens and putting extreme pressure on Libya’s economic institutions. In that regard, we call for a unified budget and strong oversight mechanisms. Such actions will enable Libya to optimize its resource allocation and promote long-term economic sustainability for the benefit of the Libyan people. The illicit oil trade is a particular concern, as it destabilizes the country and undermines its path towards recovery. Libya’s natural resources should benefit all Libyans instead of furthering inequality. Thirdly, institutional divisions in Libya have a direct impact on security. We call on all actors to set aside differences on that critical issue. Respect for the arms embargo is essential to making a safe and secure Libya a reality and preventing the illicit transfer of arms into the country. The European Union is contributing to that effort through the European Union Naval Force Mediterranean Operation IRINI, which is currently the only initiative that is implementing the United Nations arms embargo on Libya. We look forward to the discussions on the renewal of the mandate of that key operation next month. Lastly, the recent decision by Libya’s internal security agency to suspend the work of the 10 humanitarian non-governmental organizations and the consequences that those orders will have for the provision of health and humanitarian services in Libya are particularly worrisome. Those orders will negatively affect tens of thousands of migrants, asylum seekers and refugees, who are particularly vulnerable. We are also deeply alarmed by the reported violations of international law, including human rights law, by Libyan security actors and by the lack of accountability. Accountability efforts must be strengthened for the victims and survivors of international crimes. We recall the important rule the Council gave the International Criminal Court (ICC) in that regard and look forward to next month’s update on the ICC’s work with In conclusion, in line with the recommendations from Special Representative of the Secretary-General Tetteh today, we call on all stakeholders to engage with UNSMIL and act in the best interests of the Libyan people, instead of prioritizing individual economic or political gains. The goal for all should be to achieve national reconciliation and establish a democratic State through national elections, paving the way for a peaceful stable and prosperous Libya.

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the three African members of the Security Council, namely, Sierra Leone, Somalia and my own country, Algeria, plus Guyana (A3+). We thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), Ms. Hanna Tetteh, for her insightful briefing. We reaffirm our full support for her noble duties in the service of the Libyan people. We also welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Libya in this meeting. Libya is at a critical crossroads in its history — a moment that demands urgent and decisive engagement from both domestic and international actors. On the political front, the A3+ commends the completion of the second phase of municipal elections and looks forward to the holding of elections in the remaining municipalities. Those positive political developments mark another milestone in the Libyan-led and Libyan-owned political process and a step towards holding free and fair national elections that reflect the will of the Libyan people. In that regard, we call on Libyan stakeholders to engage with UNSMIL to resolve the contentious issues related to electoral laws, with a view to generating practical solutions that break the ongoing political stalemate in the country. We note that UNSMIL has already facilitated five sessions of the advisory committee since its establishment, and we look forward to technically sound and politically viable recommendations for addressing the complex issues that surround the holding of national elections. On the security front, the A3+ expresses concern about the recent clashes and incidents in various Libyan cities. We urge all parties to fully respect and uphold the 2020 ceasefire agreement and to prioritize the reunification of Libya’s security and military institutions as a matter of urgency. External interference, especially foreign military presence in Libya, represents a significant obstacle on the path to peace. The A3+, namely, Guyana, Sierra Leone, Somalia and Algeria, demand the immediate and unconditional withdrawal from Libya of all foreign forces, foreign fighters and mercenaries. Libya’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity must be fully respected. We also encourage Special Representative Tetteh to continue her engagements with neighbouring countries and to support the efforts of the African Union. Those efforts culminated in the signing of the charter for peace and national reconciliation by Libyan stakeholders, last February, in Addis Ababa. The economic situation in Libya remains a significant concern for the A3+. The continuing absence of a unified budget, coupled with the lack of transparency and accountability, has only exacerbated the economic crisis. We call upon UNSMIL to provide, where possible, technical and capacity-building assistance to help address those serious challenges that Libya is confronting. Regarding the sanctions regime, the A3+ remains seized of the continued violations of the arms embargo, the illicit export of fuel and the erosion of frozen Libyan assets due to mismanagement by some international financial institutions. We underscore the need for the Panel of Experts of the Committee established Libya is drifting further into uncertainty with each passing day without tangible progress in the political landscape. The Security Council’s long-standing promise of peace and democracy, made over two decades ago, remains an unfulfilled aspiration and a delayed deliverance for millions of Libyans. That situation is the result of past hasty decisions and miscalculations made by this very body in 2011. We therefore urge the Security Council to assume its historical responsibilities by standing with Libya and empowering its people to shape the brighter future they truly deserve. The time for action is now.

We thank Ms. Hanna Tetteh, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Libya, for her valuable insights. We appreciate her significant outreach efforts to a diverse range of stakeholders in a short period, aimed at promoting peace and stability in Libya. We welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Libya in the meeting. We have carefully noted the contents of the latest report (S/2025/223) of the Secretary-General on the political, security and economic developments in the country and the activities of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya. The role of the Mission is critical in facilitating the political process. Pakistan believes that a Libyan-led and Libyan-owned process remains the key. We reiterate our commitment to Libya’s sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity. A peaceful and united Libya will be the catalyst for the prosperity of its people and the region. We note the progress made by the advisory committee in identifying the contentious issues within the electoral framework and exploring options to address them. It is encouraging that the Secretary-General, in his report, stated that the response to the announcement of the political process was largely positive during the Special Representative’s meetings with all relevant parties. Initiating and conducting a national dialogue are vital steps that could help break the political deadlock. Moreover, the steps taken by the High National Elections Commission towards holding the second phase of municipal council elections in Libya for 63 municipalities across the country, is also a welcome development. Such incremental steps are likely to augur well in creating the right kind of momentum for steering the country towards the holding of national elections. We have also taken note of the challenges that Libya is facing. As the Secretary- General reported, the overall security situation showed signs of further deterioration due to conflicts over territorial control. Pakistan believes that a well-defined, comprehensive peacebuilding and reconciliation strategy, made in consultation with all the relevant Libyan parties, is a panacea for the transition towards sustainable peace. In that regard, the increased interaction between the eastern and western military and security institutions on border security and counter-terrorism is noteworthy. On the economic front, Pakistan believes that an early agreement on a unified budget would benefit the Libyan people and act as an enabler for improving overall governance. A consultative approach is needed to break this logjam. The frozen Libyan assets held abroad must be safeguarded and reinvested exclusively for the benefit of the Libyan people at a later stage. First, we encourage all Libyan stakeholders to maintain the momentum for constructively addressing all outstanding issues through meaningful dialogue, thus paving the way for the unification of all institutions. Secondly, Pakistan believes that lasting peace and stability in Libya can be achieved through free, fair and transparent presidential and parliamentary elections. The advisory committee should establish a clear road map and pathway towards that goal. Thirdly, the political reconciliation process should be Libyan-led and -owned, offering peace dividends to all citizens and focusing on an equitable distribution of national resources. I would like to underscore that Libya, a brotherly country to Pakistan, will find in us an unwavering partner dedicated to supporting its journey towards peace, development and prosperity.

Let me begin by expressing my appreciation to Ms. Hanna Tetteh for her first briefing today in her new capacity as Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Libya. I am confident that her extensive experience in the region will contribute to reviving the long-stalled political process in Libya. I also welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Libya in today’s meeting. The successful first round of municipal elections last year demonstrated the potential of a Libyan-led and Libyan-owned political process. We hope that the second round in June will also proceed without incident. We encourage all Libyan actors to take advantage of this positive momentum to earnestly discuss a unified national vision for Libya’s future. I would like to emphasize the following three key points. First, we call on all parties to engage in constructive dialogue to bridge their differences over the electoral framework and to refrain from taking any military actions that threaten the political process in Libya. We welcome the recent resumption of discussions within the advisory committee of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL). We encourage the committee to finalize its proposals, which would lead Libyan institutions to deliver inclusive and credible elections within a realistic time frame. However, we remain concerned about the heightened confrontations among armed groups, as recently exemplified by the tensions in Tripoli, where an armed group conducted unauthorized military movements with hundreds of armoured vehicles. It is essential to move forward towards the reunification of military and security institutions, as Libyan parties committed to in 2020. In that regard, we encourage the Joint Technical Coordination Team on Border Security to take further steps to facilitate communication and information exchange between the east and west. Secondly, we emphasize that Libya’s resources should be used in a more transparent and equitable manner for the benefit of all Libyan people. The continued illicit exportation of oil and smuggling of subsidized fuel remain concerning. We reiterate that those who support armed groups through the illicit exploitation or export of oil shall also be subject to asset freezes and travel bans, as affirmed this year by resolution 2769 (2025). In addition, we urge all parties to set aside their own interests and to take urgent measures to stabilize Libya’s economy in the wake of the sharp depreciation of its currency. Such measures include the adoption of a balanced and unified national budget based on a shared economic vision. To ensure the accountable management Thirdly, we stress the urgent need to protect human rights of the vulnerable and to end impunity for serious crimes. We encourage all Libyan parties to actively engage in discussions to agree on a legal framework for national reconciliation to address past crimes and violations in civil wars, as a part of efforts to implement transitional justice. Despite some progress in that area, we are alarmed by the recent measure taken by Libya’s Internal Security Agency to summon the staff of 10 humanitarian non-governmental organizations and to suspend their activities in Libya. We call on Libyan authorities to ensure the resumption of their work in order to effectively deliver humanitarian assistance to migrants and refugees in need. Furthermore, the growing pattern of arbitrary arrests and unlawful detentions of legal professionals and members of the judiciary gravely undermines judicial independence and constricts civic space. The Republic of Korea remains steadfast in its support for UNSMIL’s role in steering political progress in Libya. We will also constructively engage in discussing the renewal of the Council’s resolution authorizing the maritime inspection of vessels suspected of violating the arms embargo imposed under Libya sanctions.

I would like to start by warmly welcoming Ms. Hanna Tetteh, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Libya, to the Council. I thank her for her detailed briefing and convey the full support of Greece and its delegation in the discharge of her duties as the new Special Representative in Libya. The launch of deliberations by the advisory committee of Libyan experts, facilitated by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), is a step in the right direction — towards the revival of an inclusive, Libyan-led and Libyan- owned political process that will pave the way to the holding of national elections and the reunification of State institutions. We welcome the positive reactions by several Libyan stakeholders to the announcement of the political process, and we call on all parties to fully support UNSMIL’s mediation and good offices efforts. After all, the Mission plays a key role in promoting peace and fostering an inclusive political process towards a better future for Libya. At the same time, as mentioned in the latest report of the Secretary-General (S/2025/223), overcoming the leadership crisis in the High Council of State is a significant prerequisite for a successful political process. Only a unified Council can effectively align with its mandate under the Libyan Political Agreement and engage constructively in the political process. In parallel, an agreement on a balanced and unified budget, with strong oversight mechanisms, remains equally important. Libya’s economic governance cannot be exercised effectively without the transparent and equitable use of resources for the benefit of the Libyan people. On the military front, the situation remains fragile as well. While we welcome recent efforts by military and security actors from eastern and western Libya to enhance coordination on matters of national security, we remain concerned about the prolonged presence of foreign military forces in the country. There needs to be a clear timeline for the withdrawal of all foreign forces — regular and irregular — as well as mercenaries from the Libyan soil, as their presence is not conducive to stability, the advancement of the political process in Libya or the holding free, fair and democratic elections. In addition, Libya’s stability is crucial for the control of migration flows, an issue that remains important for the European Union and especially its members with maritime borders in the Mediterranean. In addition, we remain concerned about the ongoing violence against migrants and refugees in Libya. Their dignity and rights must be guaranteed at all times, and the trafficking networks must be dismantled. The implementation of the Council’s decisions on sanctions remains a challenge. Particularly, when it comes to the implementation of the United Nations arms embargo in Libya through the European Union Naval Force Mediterranean Operation IRINI, we must acknowledge that the Operation is striving to fulfil its mandate. As reflected in the final report of the Panel of Experts established pursuant to resolution 1973 (2011) concerning Libya (see S/2024/914), there have been incidents of repeated and persistent — even aggressive — refusals to allow for the inspection of ships suspected of violating the arms embargo. Therefore, Greece will spare no effort to contribute constructively to the renewal of the Operation’s mandate, which expires in May and is crucial for safeguarding peace and stability in Libya and the Mediterranean. In conclusion, I would like to stress that Greece, as a neighbouring country, fully supports Libya’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity as a strong and prosperous country, worthy of the proud Libyan people, in which the rule of law is respected; a unified country, free from any form of foreign interference; a country that respects international law, including the law of the sea; and a stable country for the entire region. We sincerely thank Ms. Tetteh and her team for the work they have undertaken since taking office, as well as the staff of UNSMIL for their continued dedicated efforts towards peace and prosperity — a destination which can be reached only through dialogue.

I thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Tetteh for her briefing and congratulate her on assuming the new role. I also welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Libya at today’s meeting. For some time now, the Libyan people, with the support of the international community, have continued to make progress in their country’s advancement towards the restoration of peace, stability and prosperity. At the same time, Libya remains deeply mired in a political impasse with mounting humanitarian and economic pressures. The international community and the Security Council should provide greater support to Libya to help it overcome those challenges. To that end, I would like to emphasize the following three points. First, we must support the revitalization of the political process. Recently, the High Council of State and the House of Representatives held talks in Cairo to strengthen dialogue among the political parties. Local elections in several regions of Libya have continued to proceed smoothly. Since taking office, Special Representative of the Secretary-General Tetteh has actively engaged with key Libyan stakeholders and countries in the region to encourage support for the political process. Those are Secondly, every effort should be made to maintain the overall stability. While the ceasefire agreement in Libya is largely holding, the security situation remains fragile. Differences and friction among certain armed groups may exacerbate the situation. Maintaining peace and stability in Libya is the basis for advancing the political process. China calls on all parties in Libya to exercise restraint and refrain from any unilateral action that could escalate the situation. The United Nations should pay greater attention to the implementation of the ceasefire agreement, further promote the coordination and integration of military and security institutions in the east and the west and encourage the withdrawal of foreign mercenaries and fighters from Libya’s territory. In his report, the Secretary-General Guterres stressed once again the extent of the rampant human trafficking in Libya (see S/2025/223). All parties should work together to support Libya in strengthening its capacity to combat human trafficking and dismantling human trafficking networks. Thirdly, we must address the economic and human challenges. Recently, affected by the impact of internal and foreign factors, Libya’s foreign exchange deficit has continued to grow. The Central Bank issued a statement earlier this month announcing the decision to devalue the dinar and noting the increased economic volatility. Under the current circumstances, all parties in Libya should prioritize national interests, set aside their differences and work together to promote the stabilization of the economy to prevent further economic decline from jeopardizing the country’s development and stability. The frozen assets should be appropriately, transparently and well utilized to avoid arbitrary misappropriation or misuse. UNSMIL should continue to encourage Libyan stakeholders to accelerate the establishment of a unified budget and implement effective fiscal policy reforms. The international community should also increase investment in Libya to inject new momentum into Libya’s economic development. At the same time, all parties should pay greater attention to the spillover effects of the Sudanese conflict on Libya and help Libya to effectively address the influx of refugees. We call on major international donors to provide Libya with humanitarian funding to help alleviate the humanitarian situation in the country. China stands ready to work with the international community in promoting lasting peace, security and prosperity in Libya. In conclusion, China expresses its best wishes and support to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in achieving more positive progress.

We thank Special Representative Tetteh for her briefing, her first to the Council. We look forward to working with Ms. Tetteh in her role, and we express full support for her efforts to forge political consensus towards a united, stable and democratic Libya. We urge all stakeholders to engage with the Special Representative in good faith and in the necessary spirit of compromise. We also welcome the representative of Libya to this meeting. As stated in February, Slovenia views the establishment of an advisory committee as a positive step and an opportunity to revive an inclusive political process that is Libyan-led and Libyan-owned and can lead the country towards long-overdue At the same time, we remain concerned about the ongoing volatile security and economic situation in Libya and the persisting political divisions. In particular, we note the need to reach agreement on a unified national budget. We call on all actors to prioritize national interests and to commit to measures that will stabilize the economy, as well as to undertake transparent economic reform that is responsive to the needs of the Libyan people. We welcome the efforts of the economic working group of the Berlin process and the commitment of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) to engage on economic issues. We believe that the UNSMIL-facilitated agreement reached in September on the Central Bank of Libya can and should be built upon. Regrettably, the alarming erosion of the humanitarian space that we are seeing unfold across the region and globally also appears to have now intensified in Libya. Slovenia is deeply concerned about the recent actions taken by the Libyan authorities against international non-governmental organizations and humanitarian organizations operating in Libya. We believe that such actions can seriously undermine humanitarian efforts in the country at a time when needs continue to override the capacities on the ground. International humanitarian law mandates the protection of humanitarians and the facilitation of their vital work to assist vulnerable populations. They should be enabled to operate freely and safely, without bureaucratic delays and movement restrictions. The continued arrival of Sudanese refugees to Libya and their heightened vulnerability is a clear demonstration of that imperative. We recognize the important role played by local authorities in responding to the needs of Sudanese refugees, and we urge national authorities to fully facilitate the response effort, strengthen coordination and ensure the consistency of movement procedures. We likewise condemn any misinformation campaigns and the incitement of hate speech against refugees and migrants. Furthermore, we call for an end to arbitrary arrests and detentions in Libya, the immediate release of all arbitrarily detained individuals and accountability for all those responsible for human rights violations and abuses. Finally, we believe that achieving the goals and aspirations of the Libyan people for a safe and secure future involves a collective effort to uphold the United Nations arms embargo and prevent the illicit transfer of weapons into the country. The European Union (EU) Naval Force Mediterranean Operation IRINI is a concrete contribution to that end and is the only actor currently carrying out this work. Operation IRINI represents the EU’s commitment and active support to peace and stability in Libya, in line with the relevant Security Council resolutions and international law. We look forward to the upcoming discussions next month on the renewal of resolution 2722 (2024), which authorizes inspections on the high seas off the coast of Libya.

I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of France. I would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for her briefing. I welcome the presence of the Permanent Representative of Libya in the Council today. Fourteen years after the revolution, the Libyan people’s aspirations for a better future remain unfulfilled. That is why our Council must continue to support the efforts of the United Nations to break the current deadlock and relaunch a political process led by the Libyans and for the Libyans. Only a successful outcome will France wishes to touch upon four main messages. First, France reiterates its full support for the mission entrusted to Ms. Tetteh by the Secretary-General. The support of the United Nations is fundamental to the resumption of the political process in Libya. We welcome the work carried out by the advisory committee set up under the auspices of United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) to formulate recommendations to that end. Secondly, there is an urgent need for the Libyan forces to agree on a Libyan project. The devaluation of the dinar is sounding the alarm. It is critical to overcome the stalemate and achieve the formation of a new unified Government capable of organizing presidential and legislative elections as soon as possible, in line with the legitimate expectations of the Libyan people and the relevant resolutions of the Security Council. France calls on all Libyan and international players to cooperate with the Special Representative to enable the political process to be relaunched and to overcome the political struggles for control of Libyan institutions. It is necessary to put an end to the crisis at the head of the High Council of State and to preserve the independence of the Libyan Audit Bureau in order to guarantee the transparency and accountability of Libyan institutions. That demand for transparency must also be reflected in the economic sphere, with a view to improving the governance of financial institutions. Respect for the independence and integrity of the financial institutions and the implementation of reforms are crucial, as is the conclusion of an agreement on a unified budget and on the implementation of transparent and equitable mechanisms for the distribution of resources, particularly oil. In that regard, the pursuit of oil-related illegal exploration and use is worrisome. Thirdly, the security situation in Libya remains fragile. The political stalemate is fuelling insecurity and instability in the country. That is why our Council must focus its efforts on three objectives. Our first objective must be to support the efforts already under way to coordinate security actors in the west and east of the country. The uptick in tensions in recent weeks, particularly in Tripolitania, illustrates the growing influence of militias and reminds us of the urgent need to reunite Libya’s military and security institutions. The second objective is to step up our support for UNSMIL in implementing the plan to withdraw all foreign forces, foreign fighters and mercenaries from Libyan territory, a goal endorsed by the United Nations in 2021. Finally, it is imperative to respect the arms embargo to help Libya regain its security and control of its borders. The authorizations put in place by the Council since 2016 to enable Member States and regional organizations to inspect ships suspected of violating the arms embargo contribute to that objective, in particular via the European Union Naval Force Mediterranean Operation IRINI. Fourthly, human rights violations in Libya, particularly arbitrary detentions and arrests, are a cause for concern. The measures taken to restrict the space of civil society and the action of non-governmental organizations authorized to work in Libya are not going in the right direction. On the other hand, the access recently granted by the Libyan authorities to certain detention centres is an encouraging step that must continue. France supports the Organization’s call for an end to impunity for the most serious crimes. We call on the Libyan authorities to step up their efforts to ensure the protection of the rights of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, with the help of international organizations. On the humanitarian front, we call on the Libyan authorities to facilitate the access of humanitarian workers and to ensure their protection. France will remain at the side of Libya and the Libyan people to help the country regain its unity, stability and sovereignty and to help the people fully take their I now resume my functions as President of the Council. I give the floor to the representative of Libya.

At the outset, I wish to congratulate you, Mr. President, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council this month and on your accession to the post of Ambassador of France to the United Nations. I thank Ms. Tetteh for her first statement in the Council in her new capacity. We wish her every success in her work. First and foremost, we applaud the efforts undertaken by the Libyan advisory committee as it approaches the end of its mandate. The committee has set out a number of proposals to support the political process and to end the impasse. The goal is to bring views closer together for the Libyan parties and to bridge the differences, as well as to find consensus-based pragmatic solutions. In that regard, we reiterate that the proposals or national initiatives presented and to be presented need to be comprehensive and exhaustive. All political stakeholders need to have an opportunity to participate in their discussion and development. The representation of all must be guaranteed, and the outcome of the political agreements, including the Libyan Political Agreement of Skhirat and the agreement signed in Geneva, and Libya’s institutions must be respected. We call on Ms. Tetteh, the United Nations mediator and Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Libya, to work expeditiously to support the political process and clarify the road map and its timetable and to make viable proposals, instead of the temporary solutions that have hindered the country and wasted opportunities to ensure stability. We must work to support those processes, which would help us to achieve the desired stability and allow us to conduct elections. Ms. Tetteh is before the Security Council today, but before her, there were nine representatives. We have heard statements from various countries. Unfortunately, most of those statements have for years been repeated. There has been nothing new. I also feel that it is difficult to present new statements because there is nothing new here. For that reason, I hope that Ms. Tetteh will act — not just with words but with actions. In short, we must learn from past experiences and not repeat the same initiatives that failed and expect different results. We must support national initiatives aimed at achieving inclusive consensus. They should not be minimized or called into question. The transitional phases in all their forms must be concluded, and we must work together for the successful conduct of the elections in order to restore the legitimacy of all institutions. The Libyan people must be able to elect those who represent them. Therein lies the role of the United Nations and the international community  — to support a Libyan-led and Libyan-owned solution. We reject destructive foreign interference. We are entering the second phase of the municipal elections. Despite the challenges before us, elections in Libya are possible. They are certainly not beyond reach, as there is political will to hold them. In that regard, we call on Council members to support those efforts and to not lose sight of the importance of holding elections. They are a means of supporting the planned national elections in the near future. Provided there is the national will to do so, we need a meaningful international partnership aimed at providing us with assistance without dictates and at promoting empowerment without lectures. With regard to the economic dimension, my country is going through a very delicate stage. The situation is critical not only in terms of political and security During previous periods, we witnessed a sharp decline in the value of the Libyan dinar against foreign currencies and an unprecedented rise in the prices of basic commodities. That has diminished the purchasing power of the population and increased the burdens on the citizens. There are parallel expenditures beyond State institutions. That directly threatens the national economy and will have catastrophic consequences for the exchange rate and the financial stability and sustainability of our country. That situation, if it continues, will lead to more economic chaos and will hinder our ability to undertake financial reforms. It could even plunge the country into a new conflict. We call on all stakeholders to support all national efforts to agree on financial and budgetary arrangements which will help us end the divisions and immediately meet the basic needs of the Libyan people without their sovereign State institutions being exploited in the crisis as a means of exerting pressure or blackmail. With regard to the military and security dimensions, we reaffirm that the unification of the military and security structures remains a top priority to end the division and to ensure the authority of the State throughout the country. It is not possible to achieve stability or establish the rule of law and protect institutions as long as the weapons are outside of the State’s control. Security and military institutions must be brought under the State’s authority. The absence of a unified command of the military and security institutions weakens the efforts to combat terrorism and organized crime. It exacerbates the human smuggling and migrant trafficking and undermines border security. It makes the country vulnerable to foreign incursions and interference. In that context, we emphasize the importance of supporting the work of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission. That is a national mechanism, which has proven its ability to achieve important consensus while redoubling efforts to end all types of foreign presence on Libyan territory, regardless of their forms or names. The human rights dimension is undoubtedly important but also complicated. There must be ongoing efforts and continued support to strengthen the rule of law and respect for basic freedoms. That is not only a challenge for Libya but also a challenge for many countries, including the most stable countries. State institutions therefore must be supported in building their capacity to meet those challenges. We stress that any violations that may occur are not structural or a part of State policy but individual acts. Perpetrators of human rights violations must be held accountable. The Office of the Public Prosecutor in Libya is closely following those cases. as well as cases related to enforced disappearance, human rights violations and others. The Office of the Public Prosecutor in Libya is conducting investigations into cases that have been referred to it. We also stress that crimes are not subject to a statute of limitations under Libyan law. All perpetrators therefore will be punished sooner or later. Concerning migration, we reiterate Libya’s firm position on illegal immigration. My country bears tremendous humanitarian and security burdens. Libya is a country of transit and not a country of destination. We should not be held solely responsible for that. Human smuggling and trafficking networks are active in all three countries — countries of origin, transit and destination. That cannot be addressed with a policy of double standards or by placing the blame on Libya alone. We also wonder why we are talking about only the networks in Libya. What about the leaders of the transnational human trafficking networks and mafias present in Europe and other countries? What sanctions have been imposed against them? What is the Council doing with regard to those networks? The Libyan people categorically reject any attempts to settle immigrants or impose arrangements that do not respect the sovereignty of the Libyan State and Despite the efforts undertaken by several organizations that are already working in Libya, we have reported several violations by certain international organizations to circumvent laws and national legislation, which raise suspicions and threaten our national security. There appears to be an attempt by certain countries to exploit the current crisis in Libya, as they seek to implement international agendas, of which we are all well aware. We do not accept that, and we will never accept it. Regardless of political affiliation or differences, the Libyan people will never accept that. In conclusion, we reiterate that all security-related or economic challenges, even humanitarian challenges, can be resolved only through supported national efforts to arrive at a comprehensive political solution. More importantly, there is a need to support the national reconciliation plan and to build upon what has been achieved by the Presidential Council. We also need the support of the African Union. That is the bedrock and the foundation for the success of all of the other processes. Our hope is that this will be a year of concluding the transitional phases and of the holding of elections that reflect the will of the Libyan people. That can take place only through the genuine and wholehearted support of all parties. It begins with an end to interference and the identification of disruptors at the national and international levels. In addition, our sovereignty and independent national will must be respected. We are tired of the double standards, failed experiments and solutions that are being imposed upon us, which have only resulted in more division and crisis.

There are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers. I now invite Council members to informal consultations to continue our discussion of the subject.