18.02.2026 Statement for Briefing on UNSMIL (Libya)

Checked Against Delivery

Thank you, Mr. President,

And I thank SRSG Tetteh and Mr. Albibas for their briefings, and welcome the permanent representative of Libya to the council.

Mr. President,

This week marks fifteen years since the uprising against the former regime. Many things have changed since then, however Libya still faces prolonged political stalemate, security challenges and economic instability.

We reiterate our appreciation to the Special Representative for her work and highlight the importance of continued support to UNSMIL’s efforts to move the political process forward and achieve lasting peace and security in Libya.

The launch of the Structured Dialogues, as one of the core pillars of the political roadmap, is a positive step in the right direction. Denmark welcomes the dialogues on various tracks and hope they provide concrete recommendations to build consensus for Libya’s future.

Denmark urges all Libyan stakeholders to engage in good faith to advance the implementation of the roadmap towards inclusive presidential and parliamentary elections.

We also welcome the steps taken by Libyan institutions with support of international mediators to attempt to promote stability and encourage dialogue between the Eastern and Western parts of the country. 

It is key to ensure that these initiatives complement and accompany the ongoing UN efforts aimed at reviving a Libyan-led and Libyan-owned political process.

Mr. President,

We remain concerned about the volatile security situation. The continued perpetration of serious human rights violations and international crimes against civilians across multiple regions of Libya is deeply alarming. They must be brought to an end immediately.

On the economic front, the management of resources in Libya remain negatively affected by political and institutional divisions, weak governance and illicit practices. We reiterate our call for unifying the national budget and reforming oil-revenue governance to benefit all Libyans.

Furthermore, Libya is among the top ten  climate-vulnerable and water stressed countries globally, with severe impacts on livelihoods and heightened risk of intercommunal tensions. 

We therefore encourage the authorities, with the support of the international community, to promote climate-resilient livelihoods and to prioritise the reconstruction and sustainable management of water infrastructure.

Mr. President, to conclude,

It is vital that all actors work towards reaching a comprehensive political solution, as mandated by this Council – bringing an end to the transition phase, reunifying state institutions, and delivering elections that are long overdue.

I thank you.