Mr. President,
I would like to thank Deputy Special Representative Stephanie Koury for their presentation. I welcome the participation of the representative of Libya.
Switzerland supports the United Nations in its commitment to help the Libyan people begin a process aimed at breaking the political deadlock and achieving lasting peace and stability. We look forward to the appointment of a new Special Representative as soon as possible to ensure the continuity of these efforts. In the meantime, we assure Ms. Koury of our full support in her ad interim role for the UN's good offices.
I would like to focus on three points:
Firstly, the recent announcement of municipal elections in 60 communes is encouraging. The election of municipal representatives is an important first step in restoring citizens' confidence in their authorities and in the country's stability. Holding municipal elections also presents a number of challenges. We join UNSMIL in calling on all the authorities and institutions concerned to facilitate the process of organizing these elections. The successful holding of elections at local level could pave the way for elections at national level. The organization of national elections must go hand in hand with political compromise. It also requires the consistent support of the international community. Lastly, the political process must be coordinated with a genuine, inclusive national reconciliation process based on the rule of law.
Secondly, we call on all actors to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law, and in particular to protect civilians. We remain concerned by the intermittent clashes in the country, such as in Zawiya and Sebha in May, which have led to the death and injury of several people, including civilians.
Finally, we are concerned about enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests and detentions. According to reports received by this Council, these practices, contrary to Libyan and international law, are taking place throughout Libya. In recent years, arbitrary detentions have been normalised, in a climate of impunity. They effectively muzzle political opponents, or those perceived as such, and spread a climate of fear that is not conducive to the exercise of political rights. They are also used against representatives of certain social, political or religious minorities. These practices aggravate tensions between communities and represent a significant obstacle to long-term reconciliation efforts. Individuals detained arbitrarily must be released unconditionally, and witnesses and victims protected.
Mr. President,
It is essential for the future of Libyans that the country be politically stable and unified, with transparent and accountable institutions. To achieve this, a coherent approach by the international community is essential. Switzerland will continue to work with its partners in Libya, and to support the UN, to achieve this goal.
Thank you.