The UN Security Council received a dire warning regarding Libya’s increasing instability 14 years post-revolution. Ongoing divisions, poor governance, and human rights abuses continue to threaten national unity and stability. The establishment of an Advisory Committee by UNSMIL aims to facilitate the electoral process, while persistent violence and humanitarian issues, especially concerning migrants, require immediate attention from authorities and the international community.
The aspirations for a civilized, democratic, and prosperous Libya remain unmet fourteen years after the revolution that overthrew Gaddafi. United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo, informed the Security Council that ongoing divisions, economic mismanagement, human rights violations, and competing interests are undermining national unity and stability.
DiCarlo cautioned that Libya’s fragile stability is increasingly threatened, as political leaders prioritize personal and political gains over the nation’s welfare. She encouraged Security Council members to support the newly appointed UN Special Representative for Libya, Hanna Tetteh, in efforts to break the political stalemate, address the ongoing crisis, and help unify Libya’s institutions in preparation for inclusive national elections.
Libya has been divided between two rival administrations for more than a decade: the internationally recognized Government of National Unity (GNU) in the northwest and the Government of National Stability (GNS) in the east. The anticipated elections in December 2021 were annulled due to candidate eligibility disputes.
The UN Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has established an Advisory Committee to provide recommendations to resolve contentious issues hindering national elections. Comprising twenty members, including a significant number of women and legal experts, the Committee is designed to support efforts to remove barriers to the electoral process.
UNSMIL facilitated the Committee’s inaugural meeting in Tripoli last week, with further sessions planned to thoroughly address contentious points. Additionally, the mission is promoting structured dialogues among Libyans to tackle enduring conflict drivers and foster an inclusive, community-driven vision for Libya’s future.
Political divisions significantly impact Libya’s economic landscape, complicating the establishment of a unified budget or spending framework. This lack of agreement hampers the Central Bank’s ability to stabilize the country’s finances and ensure transparent public expenditures.
Recent disputes concerning the presidency of the High Council of State have left the council deeply divided after six months of protracted litigation. This division hinders the council’s ability to perform its institutional functions effectively.
Politicization continues to obstruct national reconciliation efforts; although an agreement was reached last December among key institutions regarding a draft law for reconciliation, amendments by parliamentarians have raised concerns regarding the proposed National Reconciliation Commission’s independence.
Violence persists from non-State and quasi-State armed groups, threatening Libya’s fragile stability further. DiCarlo underscored the necessity of a comprehensive and transparent inquiry into an armed attack on a GNU Minister in Tripoli. The incomplete implementation of the 2020 Ceasefire Agreement necessitates renewed efforts by Libyan authorities for crucial security institution reunification and reform.
Ongoing human rights violations in Libya, including arbitrary arrests and enforced disappearances, are deeply troubling. Reports indicate rising deaths in custody, as well as significant abuse against migrants and asylum-seekers, highlighting the severe risks they face and the urgency for protection against human trafficking.
The alarming discoveries of mass graves following investigations into human trafficking emphasize the dire situation for migrants in Libya. Investigations into these cases must be conducted independently to ensure accountability for the perpetrators and reinforce the need for migrant protections.
The UN mission’s engagement with local authorities in southern Libya aims to enhance humanitarian support for Sudanese refugees, with a response plan targeting 446,000 individuals requiring $106 million to meet growing needs. DiCarlo appealed to donors for continued assistance to address the crises faced by Sudanese refugees in Libya and the surrounding regions.
The situation in Libya remains precarious, marked by political fragmentation, economic challenges, and human rights violations. UN initiatives aim to foster political unity, support national elections, and address the needs of vulnerable populations, including refugees and migrants. Ongoing violence from armed groups exacerbates the fragility, necessitating urgent actions from both Libyan authorities and international partners to stabilize the country and promote reconciliation.
Original Source: news.un.org
