The British Embassy in Libya has welcomed the announcement by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) regarding the establishment of the Advisory Committee and the scope of its mandate.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the embassy expressed its approval of the committee’s balanced composition and reaffirmed its full support for the efforts of the United Nations and the Advisory Committee in revitalizing Libya’s UN-led political process.
The statement further emphasized the committee’s crucial role in providing recommendations on key contentious issues that must be addressed to advance progress toward holding free, fair, and inclusive national elections. Additionally, it highlighted the importance of steps aimed at reunifying Libya’s government, as well as its political, economic, and military institutions.
The British Embassy urged all relevant stakeholders to fully support the Advisory Committee, ensuring it can carry out its mandate without obstruction or external interference.
The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has announced the formation of an Advisory Committee as part of its multi-track political initiative presented to the UN Security Council during its session on December 16, 2024.
The primary mandate of the committee is to provide technically sound and politically viable proposals to resolve outstanding disputes and enable the electoral process. The committee’s work will be based on existing Libyan legal frameworks, including the Libyan Political Agreement, the Roadmap of the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum, and the 6+6 electoral laws.
The committee comprises a diverse group of Libyan experts selected based on their experience, professional qualifications, and ability to foster consensus while understanding the country’s political challenges. UNSMIL has taken into account factors such as legal and constitutional expertise, electoral knowledge, cultural dynamics, geographic representation, and gender balance in the selection process.
The Advisory Committee is not a decision-making entity nor a political dialogue forum. Instead, it operates within a set timeframe, expected to deliver recommendations within a short period. Its outputs will be submitted to UNSMIL for further integration into the next phase of the political process. The UN mission will also facilitate communication between the committee and relevant institutions.
This initiative is a crucial component of UN efforts to break Libya’s prolonged political deadlock and advance toward national elections to renew institutional legitimacy. UNSMIL has consistently heard Libyans across the country express deep concern about the current political stagnation and their desire to revive the political process. The UN mission shares these concerns, acknowledging the negative impacts of the ongoing impasse on Libya’s unity, sovereignty, and stability.
Alongside the committee’s work, UNSMIL will continue to support economic reforms, security and military unification, and addressing the root causes of conflict in Libya.
In accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2755 (2024), the UN-led political process is founded on key principles, including stability, institutional renewal, and unity. Throughout this process, UNSMIL remains committed to upholding transparency, consensus-building, and Libyan ownership while safeguarding Libya’s sovereignty and national interests.
The Advisory Committee’s first meeting is scheduled to take place next week in Tripoli.
