24.06.2025 Statement by Denmark at the UNSC Briefing on the Situation in Libya

Checked Against Delivery

Thank you, Madam President,

And let me join you and others in marking the International Day of Women in diplomacy. Those of us here today definitely stand on the shoulders of some real trail blazers.

I also want to thank SRSG Tetteh for her insightful briefing and welcome the Permanent Representative of Libya to our meeting today.

As the recent violence in Tripoli starkly demonstrated, the situation in Libya remains fragile.

The current momentum, facilitated by UNSMIL, must be seized for real political progress to pave the way for a unified, stable and sovereign Libya.

Madam President, allow me to raise three points,

First, Denmark underscores the importance of stabilizing the security situation in Libya. What is needed is sustained political dialogue on the way forward, and we hope that UNSMIL can facilitate this.

The recent clashes in Tripoli, which initially erupted in May and resurfaced during Eid al-Adha, demonstrate this perilous state of affairs.

We commend the efforts of the Truce Committee in restoring calm and reiterate our call for all parties to ensure the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure.

Lasting stability in Libya is closely linked to a comprehensive political settlement that effectively addresses the root causes of division, the proliferation of armed groups, and the lack of a centralized state authority.

To this end, we welcome the recent publication of the Advisory Committee’s recommendations as a first step. The recommendations provide a framework for fostering good-faith dialogue among all Libyan parties, and we urge them to engage constructively with UNSMIL to pave the way towards democratic presidential and parliamentary elections.

Denmark strongly supports UNSMIL’s efforts and commends SRSG Tetteh for her leadership and efforts to build international momentum including through the relaunch of the Berlin process. 

Second, Madam President,

Competition over resources and political disagreements continue to hinder efforts to ensure investments in infrastructure to withstand the impacts of climate change.

As evident during the 2023 flood in Derna, caused by Storm Daniel, rivalry over state authority has a very clear impact on Libya’s fragility to climate-induced disasters.

Responsible investments in climate-resilient infrastructure, including modernization of dams, is needed to avert future devastating catastrophes.

We call for this Council to remain vigilant to the urgent climate related security challenges in Libya and for the parties to expedite agreement on a national budget.

Third, we express our profound concern over the recent discovery of bodies and evidence of widespread human rights violations in areas of Tripoli, previously controlled by the SSA.

As highlighted by the High Commissioner for Human Rights, these findings include suspected instruments of torture and abuse, and potential evidence of extrajudicial killings.

We reiterate the OHCHR's call for immediate accountability for these atrocities.

The sites must be sealed, with prompt, independent, impartial and transparent investigations carried out by the Libyan authorities. The UN should also be granted access as part of its mandate to document human rights violations. There can be no impunity for such crimes; justice for the victims must be pursued.

Madam President, in conclusion

The path forward for Libya requires genuine national unity, deeply rooted in transitional justice and unwavering accountability for past and present abuses.

It is our shared responsibility to ensure that those who have committed crimes are held responsible and that the fundamental rights and aspirations of all Libyans are protected and fulfilled.

The international community must remain united in supporting a truly Libyan-led and Libyan-owned inclusive political process that delivers lasting peace and stability for all Libyans.

Thank you.