Mr. President,
14. Given the scale of the humanitarian situation across Libya, the United Nations humanitarian country team is urgently taking steps to mobilise additional resources to cover the high demand for relief support. Within the past month, the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) despatched a humanitarian convoy to assist some 12,000 displaced people in the western town of Zuwara. The World Food Programme, which is already providing assistance to some 50,000 internally displaced persons, will participate alongside UNHCR to reach an additional 6,000. Separately, the International Organization for Migration has taken steps to repatriate thousands of stranded migrants to their countries of origin.
15. Within the last two weeks, United Nations teams have carried out an initial assessment of contamination by explosive remnants of war in Tripoli as a result of the recent fighting. It is clear that the scale of this contamination is significant, and poses a threat to civilian lives. Plans to deploy risk education and explosive ordnance disposal teams as immediate priorities are under consideration.
Mr. President,
16. Three years following the fall of the former regime, the Libyan people find themselves nowhere closer to realising their hopes and aspirations for a better future and for a State that safeguards their safety and security. Accordingly, many Libyans are deeply disillusioned with their country’s democratic transition.
17. The United Nations remains committed to its mission in Libya and will continue to impress upon all Libyans the urgent need for progress in overcoming their differences through dialogue. I believe this is the only way to spare the country further chaos and violence, and to prevent it becoming a magnet for extremist and terrorist groups.
18. I have no illusions regarding the difficulties and challenges ahead. Political divisions are deep, the sense of mistrust is almost overwhelming, and given the proliferation of arms outside the effective control of state authorities, the security situation remains extremely fragile I remain nonetheless a fervent supporter of the Libyan people’s desire to safeguard their country’s national unity and social fabric.
19. The small window of opportunity before us for a peaceful resolution to the current crisis should not be missed. Libya’s leaders will have to act quickly, and seek a political solution through a meaningful and inclusive dialogue. Given the urgency I intend to follow up shortly with further visits to Libya. Our engagement and the engagement of the International community during the upcoming General Assembly as well as the international regional conference in Madrid later this week will remain solidly anchored in the principles of unbiased engagement with all parties, and that of non-intervention in Libya’s internal affairs and respect for its national sovereignty.
Thank you.
(Source: UNSMIL)