The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) urged Libya’s rival factions to declare an immediate ceasefire and end hostilities.
The UN body called on all parties to suspend the transfer of military equipment and personnel into Libya in order to allow local authorities to rapidly respond to the unprecedented public health challenge posed by COVID-19.
UNSMIL also called on the Government of National Accord (GNA) and the Libyan National Army (LNA) to engage in political dialogue and unite their efforts to effectively address the pandemic.
The UN body argued that Libyans should join forces before it is too late to face this overwhelming threat, which requires consolidating resources to prevent an outbreak, raise awareness and organise treatment for people at risk of contracting the virus.
The statement also encouraged the implementation of a consolidated mechanism to face COVID-19 in Libya in close collaboration with WHO and other UN agencies on the ground.