Barbara Woodward, the United Kingdom (UK)’s representative to the UN Security Council, expressed deep concerns on Tuesday about “egregious violations of the international arms embargo in Libya.
During her speech, Ambassador Woodward called on Libyan leaders to engage constructively with the UN’s efforts to stabilize the nation. She emphasized that the only sustainable solution to Libya’s security challenges is a political process facilitated by the United Nations, leading to an inclusive political settlement.
“We support SRSG Abdoulaye Bathily’s call for this council, and the international community, to be united in support of the UN process,” Woodward stated, urging Libya’s leaders to remove obstacles delaying vital elections.
Woodward expressed particular concern over the involvement of external actors in Libya, which not only threatens to derail the political process but also contributes directly to the country’s instability. She specifically noted the recent activities involving large Russian naval vessels, describing them as “flagrant and malign breaches of the arms embargo,” which risk further destabilizing the region, including spillover effects into the Sahel.
The UK Ambassador also discussed how the political stalemate affects civil society, undermining basic human rights and democratic values, particularly impacting free speech and women’s rights. Woodward highlighted the ongoing challenges in recovery and reconstruction efforts following last September’s devastating floods. With international institutions frozen out and access constrained, she called for a transparent model for recovery and urged Libyan authorities to utilize the technical expertise offered by the United Nations Development Programme.
Woodward concluded by emphasizing the importance of a politically stable and unified Libya, with transparent and accountable institutions, for the future prosperity of its people. She reiterated the UK’s commitment to supporting the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) towards achieving these goals. “The UK will continue to work with partners and support the SRSG and UNSMIL towards this aim,” Woodward affirmed, calling on Libya’s leaders to fulfill their responsibilities to the Libyan people.
This statement places the UK firmly in support of international efforts to resolve Libya’s political crisis, highlighting the critical need to enforce the arms embargo and foster a stable and democratic governance structure in Libya.
