Speech

The UK is deeply concerned by the destabilising activities of Libyan security actors and armed groups: UK statement at the UN Security Council

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Libya.

President I would like to make three points.

First, Libya鈥檚 economic trajectory is alarming.聽

With no unified budget and, as SRSG Tetteh said, no oversight, present levels of public spending by Libyan authorities risk rapidly diminishing the nation鈥檚 wealth.

Competition for state resources is putting Libya鈥檚 institutions under grave pressure, and risks fuelling renewed conflict.

Libya has the resources to build a prosperous future. But to achieve it, Libya鈥檚 leaders must put aside narrow interests and agree on a unified economic framework in the national interest.聽

We welcome the return of the World Bank to Tripoli to support this work.

Second, the UK is deeply concerned by the destabilising activities of Libyan security actors and armed groups.聽

This includes reports of unlawful and arbitrary detentions, kidnappings, imprisonment without due process and assassination attempts.聽

There needs to be accountability for such acts, to support civic space and trust in Libya鈥檚 law enforcement.

The recent closure of humanitarian organisations鈥� offices and detention of their employees is particularly troubling.聽

We urge Libyan authorities to work with international NGOs and resolve differences through dialogue.聽

Humanitarian organisations are an indispensable part of our collective efforts to support Libya, including to help address the Libyan authority鈥檚 concerns about illegal migration.

Third, Libya鈥檚 economic and security challenges underscore the urgent need for progress on the political track.聽

Libya needs a comprehensive, inclusive political process which will provide the foundation for sound economic governance, rule of law and accountability, and help tackle corruption.

The UK strongly supports UNSMIL鈥檚 efforts and commends SRSG Tetteh for her leadership.聽

A revitalised political process, flowing from the Advisory Committee鈥檚 deliberations, presents a real opportunity to chart a path towards the peace, stability and prosperity that the Libyan people deserve and yearn for, as I heard during my own visit to Libya and in more recent exchanges with young Libyans.聽

So we urge all Libyan actors to engage constructively with the UN鈥檚 efforts and the Advisory Committee鈥檚 recommendations.

Updates to this page

Published 17 April 2025