Security Council
1) Adoption of the Draft Presidential Statement on Haiti (BINUH), 2) Libya: Briefing in connection with UNSMIL and Libya sanctions - Security Council VTC
Dialogue, decisions grounded in wishes of Libya’s people bringing about progress towards peace, democracy, Special Envoy tells Security Council.
The Security Council expressed its deep concern today at the political and multiple other protracted crises in Haiti, urging stakeholders to set aside their differences and calling upon them to prepare for free, fair, transparent and credible presidential elections later in 2021.
In presidential statement S/PRST/2021/7, issued by the representative of the United States, Council President for March, the 15-member organ expressed concern about the political, constitutional, humanitarian and security crises besetting Haiti, while stressing that primary responsibility to tackle the drivers of instability lies with the Government. Underscoring the need to address essential security, transparency and logistical considerations, it also reiterated the urgent need to hold free, fair, transparent and credible legislative elections, overdue since October 2019.
Noting with concern reported violations and abuses of international human rights, including some involving the alleged use of deadly force against protesters and reported arbitrary arrests and detentions, the Council called on the Government to respect the freedoms of expression and association. It also called upon the Inspector General of the Haitian National Police to conduct a thorough investigation of the reported incidents.
The Council also underlined the need for a coordinated response to the country’s deteriorating security situation, including gang-related criminal activities; spotlighted the importance of an independent judiciary; noted the need to ensure accountability for human rights violations; and stressed that women and all Haitians should play a meaningful role in the political process.
Council members noted their concern over growing food insecurity and malnutrition, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. They stressed the need for increased support and attention to Haiti’s humanitarian situation and development needs, as well as its efforts to advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Reaffirming its support for Haiti’s people, the Council went on to call upon the international community to support the country’s electoral endeavours. Further, it reaffirmed its support for the efforts of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) and encouraged continued close collaboration between the mission and the United Nations country team, with a view to helping the Government take responsibility and realize Haiti’s long-term stability, development and economic self-sufficiency.
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MEETINGS COVERAGE
Recent progress towards peace and democracy in Libya has demonstrated that once seemingly insurmountable divisions can be overcome with determined political will, the United Nations top official for that country told the Security Council today, citing the successful launch of the Government of National Unity.
Key messages during the new Government’s swearing-in ceremony on 15 March called for reconciliation, reuniting the country, protection of human rights, meeting the basic needs of the people, and freeing Libya from foreign forces and foreign interference, said Ján Kubiš, Special Envoy to Libya and head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), during a videoconference briefing.
“This manifestation of the emerging political will for unification after years of internal strife and conflict is first and foremost a result of Libyan dialogue and Libyan decisions, grounded in the wishes of the people to finally end the divisions and confrontations of the transition period, to reclaim back their country, to reinstate its unity and sovereignty,” he said, calling for the continued, timely and aligned support of the Security Council and the international community.
Mr. Kubiš also noted that the new Cabinet consists of 35 members representing the different Libyan regions and constituencies. While women’s representation is only at 15 per cent, Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Mohammed Dabaiba pledged to appoint more females to other senior executive positions, to reach the commitment of 30 per cent set out in the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum Roadmap.
UNSMIL stands ready to support national priorities, including reunifying the country and its sovereign institutions and advancing the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement, security sector reform and disarmament, demobilization and reintegration. The Mission will also assist the new Government in delivering basic services to Libyans based on a decentralized system, addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, fostering human rights-based inclusive national reconciliation and transitional justice, advancing women’s political and economic empowerment, and convening the national elections on 24 December 2021.
For the polls to take place, he said, it is critical to have confirmed a clear legal and constitutional framework for the presidential and parliamentary elections. To this end, the Constitutional Committee established by the House of Representatives and the High Council of State reached an agreement, on 12 February, on a proposed constitutional basis for the elections.
The Government of National Unity has a distinct role in building a conducive political and security environment for elections and in facilitating the work of the High National Elections Commission through the various related ministries and governmental institutions, he noted, adding that it must also ensure the timely disbursement of a sufficient budget for the Commission and be mindful of the pitfalls on the road ahead, in particular those aiming to delay or obstruct the path towards the December elections.
On the security situation, he said that foreign fighters and mercenaries remain in the country and indeed within the vicinity of the city of Sirte. “Their withdrawal from Libya will go a long way in reconstituting the unity and sovereignty of the country and healing the deep wounds caused by many years of internal strife, active conflict and foreign interference,” he said.
On 3 March, the United Nations Secretariat deployed an advance team to Libya to assess the Organization’s possible support to the Libyan-led ceasefire monitoring mechanism. Preliminary findings were shared with this Council in the progress report issued on 22 March. While the advance team’s work is yet to be finalized, several prerequisites are coming to the fore. These include national leadership and ownership of the implementation of the ceasefire agreement of 23 October 2020, continued momentum on the security track working in mutually-reinforcing harmony with political, economic and humanitarian tracks, and the timely provision of additional financial and human resources, necessary to establish security, logistical and operational support to United Nations ceasefire monitors that will enable their deployment. The ceasefire implementation must consider the impact on civilians, restoration of essential services, access to markets and freedom of safe movement. The team of monitors must be balanced and include women and youth.
Noting that elements of Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant and other international terrorist groups continue to operate in the country, he said that it is important to continue to support the authorities to address this ongoing threat.
He welcomed the announcement by the National Oil Corporation that oil revenue held in abeyance is now being transferred to the Central Bank. As its primary source of revenue and the largest employer, the oil sector also requires continued support and investment. Libya carries over 160 billion dinars of debt and has billions more in outstanding contractual liabilities.
Noting an estimated 38,000 displaced persons returned to their homes since the end of January, he said returns remain limited due to a lack of basic services and the presence of explosive hazards, especially in southern parts of Tripoli. The impact of COVID-19 continues to make life extremely challenging for many of the country’s most vulnerable people. However, only 5 per cent of the 2021 Humanitarian Response Plan is funded, he said, urging donor countries to assist some 450,000 vulnerable people in need.
Since the new UNSMIL leadership took up functions, the United Nations presence in Libya has doubled. Yet, to implement mandated objectives and tasks, UNSMIL will require adequate resources and the ability to recruit for numerous vacant positions, including in security, he said.
In the ensuing discussion, delegates welcomed political progress in the country and stressed the need to consolidate gains towards national elections in December. They also called for the withdrawal of mercenaries and foreign forces from Libya and compliance with the arms embargo, the need for the unification of institutions in Libya and the improvement of basic services for the country’s people.
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MEETINGS COVERAGE