Speech

The UK supports UNSMIL바카라 사이트™s call for a full investigation into mass graves of migrants: 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.

• From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Dame Barbara Woodward DCMG OBE
• Published: 19 February 2025

• Location: United Nations, New York
• Delivered on: 19 February 2025 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

I thank USG DiCarlo for her briefing this morning.

I also welcome the recent appointment of Hanna Tetteh as the Secretary-General바카라 사이트™s Special Representative in Libya.

We look forward to working with her to harness the momentum of UNSMIL바카라 사이트™s new political initiative. 

I echo the USG바카라 사이트™s thanks to DSRSG Koury for her leadership over the past nine months.

I would like to make three points.

First, we welcome the establishment of the Advisory Committee as an important first step in UNSMIL바카라 사이트™s political track. 

With the Committee바카라 사이트™s expertise, and under SRSG Tetteh바카라 사이트™s leadership, this initiative has the potential to chart a positive path towards a more stable and representative Libya.

Second, the status quo in Libya remains fragile. 

Increasing competition between Libyan actors over state resources has led to unprecedented levels of pressure being exerted on Libya바카라 사이트™s economic institutions, threatening Libya바카라 사이트™s peace, stability and security.

To that end, we welcome the adoption last month of a new designation criteria for the UN sanctions regime on Libya to hold those who exploit Libyan crude oil and petroleum accountable and help to safeguard Libyan resources.

Third, we are appalled by the recent discovery of multiple mass graves of migrants. 

The Panel of Experts바카라 사이트™ final report showed that trafficking networks in Libya are expanding. 

The UK supports UNSMIL바카라 사이트™s call for a full investigation into these discoveries. 

We encourage Libyan leaders to engage with the UN and the humanitarian community to end impunity for those who trade in human suffering, and ensure all migrants and refugees are treated in accordance with international human rights law. 

The UK has recently provided $5.6 million to the refugee response in Libya.

President, until a unifying political agreement is achieved in Libya, it will be impossible to unlock its great potential. 

The UK urges Libya바카라 사이트™s leaders to engage seriously with SRSG Tetteh and UNSMIL바카라 사이트™s political process, in the interests of all Libyans.

Published 19 February 2025