UN Security Council to adopt a New Resolution on Libya

The United Nations Security Council is scheduled on Monday to adopt a new resolution on Libya. The session, to be chaired by UK Foreign Secretary, William Hague, will be attended by eight Foreign Ministers including the U.S. and Russia.

The draft resolution reaffirms the Security Council’s “strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity of Libya.” It expresses hope for “a future for Libya based on national reconciliation, justice, respect for human rights and the rule of law.”

By virtue of the new draft resolution, the mandate of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) will be extended for a further period of 12 months, subject to review within 6 months, under the leadership of a Special Representative of the Secretary-General. 

The draft resolution expresses concern at “the illicit proliferation of all arms and related materiel of all types, in particular man-portable surface-to-air missiles, from Libya, in the region and its potential impact on regional and international peace and security.”

It also recalls its decision to refer the situation in Libya to the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, and underlines the importance of cooperation for ensuring that those responsible for violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, including attacks targeting civilians, are held accountable. 

It reiterates that “the voluntary, safe and sustainable return of refugees and internally displaced persons will be an important factor for the consolidation of peace in Libya.” 

Moreover, it reaffirms that the U.N. should lead the coordination of the efforts to support the Libyan transition, according to Alarabiya. 

The resolution also calls upon the Libyan authorities “to promote and protect human rights, including those of women” according to international law.