Madam President,
I would like to thank Special Representative Abdoulaye Bathily and Ambassador Yamazaki for their presentations. I also welcome the participation of our distinguished colleague, the representative of Libya, to this meeting.
Allow me to address three points:
Firstly, the political situation. We can't say it often enough: it remains necessary to find a compromise so that free, fair, transparent and inclusive elections can be organized. In this respect, we reiterate our call for a more coherent approach from the international community, which must act in support of UNSMIL's efforts. In the absence of a genuine compromise that is both inclusive and unifying, Libyans' legitimate aspirations for elections and peace will be hampered. Switzerland therefore calls on the Libyan players to engage in more dialogue in good faith and to engage – under the auspices of the UN's good offices - without preconditions.
Secondly, the success of this political process depends on the creation of an enabling environment. This includes the respect for human rights and an immediate end to repression against human rights defenders. Furthermore, the silencing of voices of journalists, academics and members of civil society constitutes a serious attack on freedom of expression. Switzerland - as co-chair of the Working Group on International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights of the Berlin Process - continues to engage with various partners who are also concerned about the continued shrinking of civic space in Libya. Moreover, the success of this political process is complementary to an inclusive national reconciliation process, based on law and centered on victims. We therefore actively support initiatives to promote reconciliation, such as the conference on transitional justice on 26 February organized by the Presidential Council and UNSMIL. In this respect, we note the commitment of the Presidential Council concerning this conference.
Finally, I would like to mention the migration situation in Libya. Tomorrow, this Council will discuss the issue of security in the Mediterranean. This topic is closely linked to the situation of migrants in or passing through Libya. Switzerland – as others have mentioned – is alarmed by the discovery of at least 65 bodies of migrants in a mass grave in south-west Libya and condemns the perpetrators of these crimes. They must be held accountable. This discovery reminds us of the urgent need for a coordinated response to migrant smuggling and human trafficking in Libya.
Madam President,
The political status quo in Libya is unsustainable. The armed clashes that took place in Tripoli last week and the tensions that led to the closure of the Ras Ajdir border crossing are symptomatic of growing instability. Such instability is in no way in the interests of the population.
Yesterday's sad anniversary of the conflict in Sudan, which also has a devastating impact on the region, shows the urgent need to prevent an escalation in Libya and to commit to a political process.
This needs a more coherent international community, genuine transitional justice and greater stability. This is why Switzerland will continue to be involved in Libya.
Thank you.