UN Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo highlighted Libya’s ongoing instability due to political divisions, economic mismanagement, and human rights violations. She called for support from the UN Security Council for the newly appointed Special Representative while stressing the importance of an inclusive national dialogue to unify institutions and hold elections. Concerns over the effectiveness of governing bodies and ongoing threats from armed groups punctuate the urgent need for action.
Rosemary DiCarlo, the UN Under-Secretary-General, noted that Libya suffers from deep divisions, economic mismanagement, and ongoing human rights violations, all of which threaten its stability. She emphasized the importance of prioritizing the national interest over personal or political gains among Libya’s leaders.
DiCarlo urged the UN Security Council to back the new UN Special Representative for Libya, Hanna Tetteh, in her efforts to resolve the political deadlock and aid the Libyan population in reestablishing unified institutions and conducting inclusive elections.
The country remains divided between two rival governments: the Government of National Unity (GNU) in the northwest and the Government of National Stability (GNS) in the east. Disputes over candidate eligibility led to the cancellation of elections initially scheduled for December 2021.
To advance the political process, DiCarlo stated that UNSMIL is working towards inclusivity and national ownership, facilitating discussions among various Libyan groups. The mission aims to help remove obstacles hindering national elections and garner support from different societal sectors, including women and youth.
UNSMIL is also facilitating structured dialogues among Libyans to address ongoing conflicts and foster a collaborative vision for the future, while consultations with economic experts focus on identifying priorities for improved governance in Libya, which is critical to stabilizing the economy.
Despite these efforts, divisions persist, and competition for control over state institutions remains a significant challenge. No consensus has been reached on a unified budget or financial framework needed to stabilize the economy and ensure equitable public spending.
A long-standing power struggle regarding the presidency of the High Council of State has left the council fragmented, which hampers its ability to govern effectively. Allegations of politicization are further obstructing national reconciliation under the UN charter, with differing support for the framework among various Libyan factions.
Additionally, non-state armed groups pose a continued threat to Libya’s stability, and DiCarlo called for a thorough investigation of a recent armed attack against a GNU minister in Tripoli. She reiterated that the 2020 Ceasefire Agreement requires renewed commitment from Libyan authorities for complete implementation to enhance security conditions.
DiCarlo expressed concern over arbitrary detentions and the rising number of fatalities in custody, as well as the grave human rights violations faced by migrants, including torture and mistreatment. The recent discovery of mass graves linked to human trafficking underlines the urgent need for effective protective measures and investigations.
She also highlighted that the 2025 Sudan Refugee Regional Response Plan includes provisions for Libya, targeting 446,000 individuals and seeking $106 million to address the needs of Sudanese refugees in the region, which is twice the funding required in 2024.
The situation in Libya remains precarious, marked by political fragmentation, economic instability, and serious human rights violations. Support from the UN and cooperation among Libyan leaders is crucial for facilitating national dialogue, improving governance, and addressing the pressing needs of the population, including refugees. The international community’s assistance is vital for enhancing the peace process and stabilizing the region.
Original Source: libyaobserver.ly
