19.12.2025 Statement for Briefing on UNSMIL
Checked Against Delivery
Thank you, Madam President
Let me thank SRSG Tetteh for her informative briefing as well as the Chair of the 1970 committee for his briefing. I also welcome the representative of Libya to our meeting today.
Madam President,
Denmark has continuously reiterated the urgent need of reviving the political process. In this regard, we express support for the implementation of UNSMIL’s roadmap.
We welcome the launch of the Strategic Dialogues as one of the core pillars of the political roadmap. We hope the dialogues will enable broader segments of Libyan society, including women, youth, civil society, to build consensus around a shared vision for the country’s future.
We also call on House of Representatives and the High Council of State, to complete the initial milestones: To reconstitute the High National Elections Commission (HNEC) and adopt the electoral framework. These first steps are critical in translating the roadmap into tangible actions.
Denmark commends the successful completion of the third phase of municipal elections held across several Libyan municipalities with a voter turnout estimated at 69%. We hope this experience will strengthen the HNEC's technical capacities to address any challenges that may arise during the national electoral process.
We call on all Libyan parties to commit to facilitating long-overdue presidential- and parliamentary elections in an inclusive, credible, and transparent manner by engaging constructively with UNSMIL and the SRSG.
Madam President,
Increased economic and security integration is essential to ensuring Libya’s sovereignty, security, and long-term prosperity. Such integration will complement and strengthen the political process.
In this respect, we welcome the recent talks between the Libyan military leaders from east and west on strengthening coordination across military and security institutions. We urge Libyan leaders to continue expanding and institutionalizing the east-west coordination to advance the goal of a unified and stable Libya.
We also welcome the agreement on the Unified Development Programme signed by representatives of the House of Representatives and High State Council on November 18. This represents a positive step on the path towards ensuring a more transparent and sustainable use of Libya's development funds.
It further demonstrates the Libyan parties’ ability to reach a compromise when there is political will.
Madam President,
It is crucial that all Libyans can participate in shaping their country’s future. Yet, Libyan women continue to be marginalized from political processes.
We are alarmed by the continued silencing of women through intimidation and smear campaigns. Ensuring a safe civic and online space for women is vital.
We welcome UNSMIL’s efforts in advancing the rights of Libyan women and girls and ensuring their safe and meaningful participation across all spheres of life, including in political processes. We further welcome the establishment of a women's caucus as part of the Strategic Dialogues to strengthen women's participation.
We encourage UNMSIL to continue to prioritize the protection and promotion of human rights, including monitoring and reporting on reprisals against women human rights defenders, and providing the necessary support to those at risk.
Madam President to conclude,
We express our concern about the increased level of aggressive rhetoric against UNSMIL being voiced online. Any attempt at obstructing a UN Mission’s work is equivalent to obstructing the implementation of this Council’s resolutions, which is unacceptable.
UNSMIL has a vital role to play in facilitating a Libyan-led and Libyan-owned political process. We express our full support for the SRSG in leading these efforts despite the challenging circumstances.
I thank you.