The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), Abdoulaye Bathily is set to give a briefing to the Security Council on the political, security, and humanitarian developments in Libya on Monday. This is to be followed by closed consultations on the situation in the country.
According to the Security Council’s website, Bathily will “brief the members during this session on his efforts to facilitate agreement on a new roadmap for the elections.”
The session is also expected to focus on developments in the military track, in addition to the humanitarian situation and human rights, including arbitrary detention and conditions in illegal immigration centers.
Bathily is also likely to seek the support of the Security Council for a new roadmap. The session may result in a press release announcing the adoption of the details of the upcoming plan, according to the report.
The UN Envoy is likely to condemn those responsible for the continued procrastination of the Libyan political crisis. As well as appeal to the international community to exert pressure on decision-makers to clear the impasse, and allow the Libyan people to hold Presidential and Parliamentary elections in 2023.
Key issues include the precarious political, economic, and security situations linked to Libya’s uncertain electoral path. A related concern for the Council will be how to foster common political ground between the two rival governments, so they can agree on a constitutional framework to pave the way for Libya’s long-delayed elections.
Council members could consider holding a closed meeting with Libyan civil society representatives, to help generate ideas for promoting dialogue between the rival political factions. As well as supporting an inclusive political process leading to elections. Another concern remains the alarming human rights situation.
Council members have repeatedly stressed the urgent need for a Libyan-led inclusive political process, and the holding of elections.
They have noted the precarious security situation, including that the protracted political stalemate continues to generate security threats, and continued to call for progress not only on the political track, but also on the security and economic tracks.
Many members have highlighted the deteriorating living conditions across the country, and the humanitarian and human rights conditions, including the situation of migrants and refugees.
They have also voiced their concerns about the situation of women and girls, including survivors of gender-based and conflict-related violence.
At the briefing on 16 December 2022, the UK highlighted reports of increased restrictions and decreased operating space for civil society organizations.
Council member Kenya (speaking on behalf of the three African members) emphasized that the peace process “must be truly Libyan-led and -owned” adding that “the international community should refrain from dictating solutions”.
In its statement, Russia expressed the view that “Libyan politicians themselves are not very interested in finding a compromise” and that “the role of the United Nations is more relevant today than ever before”.
In this regard, Russia called on UNSMIL to “step up its activity as an impartial and neutral mediator moving forward” while expressing its readiness for “close cooperation and a substantive exchange of views” with Bathily.
