Mr President,
I would like to thank Special Representative Abdoulaye Bathily and Ambassador Ishikane for their presentations. I welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Libya at this meeting.
First of all, on behalf of Switzerland, I would like to express our condolences to the people and families affected by the violent storms and floods that recently hit Libya. The disaster has shown the scale of the impact of climate change and revealed the concrete consequences of the governance deficit.
In this context, allow me to make three points:
Firstly, Switzerland calls on the Libyan authorities to ensure that all those affected receive essential foodstuffs, medical services and sanitation facilities. Particular attention must be paid to women's health needs, their access to services, and the implementation of measures to prevent sexual and gender-based violence. International humanitarian law requires that humanitarian access be authorized and facilitated. Consequently, humanitarian actors must be able to work in a timely and independent manner.
Secondly, Switzerland takes note of the recent review of electoral laws by the 6+6 Committee. However, we note that certain fundamental issues remain controversial. Switzerland echoes UNSMIL's call for all Libyan actors to show good faith in resolving these issues in order to make the electoral process possible. Without a political solution, the risk of a lasting stalemate persists. Switzerland therefore reiterates its appeal to the international community to support a political process in a coherent manner and under UN auspices. We are also concerned about the restrictions imposed on civil society. The rights of expression, association and peaceful assembly of all individuals, including members of civil society, in accordance with Libya's obligations under international human rights law, must be respected and are key elements in the political process.
Thirdly, according to scientific analyses, a storm such as the one that hit Libya could recur more regularly as a result of climate change. However, the Derna tragedy was not caused by climate change alone. It reveals the lack of governance and the division of the country, which have had an impact on infrastructure maintenance and risk prevention. Against the backdrop of the loss and suffering caused by storm Daniel, it is uplifting to see people and communities across the country joining forces with solidarity and compassion. This unity must also be reflected at the political level. Libyans are demanding unity of action and leadership that puts the country's interests and respect for human rights first. We support this demand.
Finally, we look forward to working with the members of the Council on the renewal of UNMIL's mandate.
Thank you.