On Wednesday, Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), Jan Kubis welcomed the participation of Libyan Foreign Minister, Najla Al-Mangoush and Head of the Switzerland’s Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Ignazio Cassis, at the Senior Officials Meeting of the International Follow-up Committee on Libya
The participants praised the Libyan Presidential Council and the Government of National Unity (GNU) work in preparing the country for national parliamentary and presidential elections, set for 24 December 2021. They stressed the need for implementing the requirements to hold the elections as scheduled. The appointment of Al-Mangoush, and other Libyan women to the government was praised, and a call to the executive authority was made to appoint at least 30% of women to senior positions.
The participants also called on the Libyan Parliament to clarify the constitutional basis for the elections, and to enact the necessary electoral legislation. They also called for creating conditions for the full, effective, and meaningful participation of women in the democratic transition, elections, national reconciliation process, and in the economic and social life of the country.
The steps taken by the Presidential Council towards inclusive, comprehensive rights-based national reconciliation and transitional justice were praised. It was stated that national reconciliation is “important for creating conducive conditions for holding inclusive national elections in December.”
The participants demanded the interim executive authority, institutions, and authorities in Libya to fully follow and implement the principles of human rights and international humanitarian law, including when dealing with IDPs, migrants and refugees, when addressing arbitrary arrests and detention, and when moving towards full accountability for crimes.
Domestic and external parties were urged to take practical steps to begin the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement, and prepare for the withdrawal of all foreign forces and mercenaries from Libya without delay. According to the UNSMIL statement, domestic parties were asked to refrain from any actions that may impede the GNU’s ability to function throughout the country, and disrupt the political process.
The Parliament was asked to adopt a unified budget, as its absence creates obstacles and impediments to the government to improve the delivery of basic services to the population, including electricity and the COVID-19 pandemic response. They underlined the need to unify state institutions, including military, security, economic and educational institutions. Participants reiterated their strong commitment to continue supporting the unity, stability, security, sovereignty and prosperity of Libya and its people.