Statement by H.E. Sanita Pavļuta-Deslandes, Permanent Representative of Latvia to the United Nations, at the UN Security Council Briefing on situation in Libya
14 October, 2026, 10 AM
Madam President,
I would like to start by thanking Special Representative Ms. Hanna Tetteh for her detailed briefing.
We also welcome the participation of the permanent representative of Libya in this meeting.
Latvia reiterates its strong support to the SRSG and her team for their continued efforts to advance the implementation of the UNSMIL-facilitated Political Roadmap towards credible elections and stability in Libya. We wish to underline the UNSMIL 's good offices role in advancing the political process, facilitating dialogue among Libyan stakeholders and supporting the unification of state institutions.
We welcome the agreement reached at the end of August and signed by the parties of the Smaller Convenings and consider it as a positive development in the political process and an important step in advancing Libya towards national elections and ending the transitional period.
We positively note the decision by the House of Representatives to endorse the Smaller Convenings agreement and regret the lack of political acceptance by the High Council of State in the given timeline.
We urge all relevant stakeholders, including both parties, to engage constructively and demonstrate the necessary flexibility and political will to achieve a democratic, stable, peaceful and secure Libya with legitimate and unified state institutions. Further progress will only be possible when the interest and aspirations of Libyan people is put before immediate political and personal benefit.
We encourage UNSMIL to continue its work with civil society and stakeholders in order to reach broader public support to its efforts and promote greater inclusivity.
A major hurdle for unification is the divided judiciary system. It not only has implications for the prospects of national unity, but also undermines public trust in state institutions, and we encourage further work towards reestablishing a single constitutional jurisdiction.
In the light of economic instability, lack of transparency, and the daily struggles of Libyans to receive public services, we call for tangible progress to implement a coordinated public expenditure and development investment to implement the agreement of the unified budget.
Madam President,
On the security landscape, unfortunately we see continued armed clashes in western Libya, drone attacks on critical infrastructure, continued presence of armed groups, migrant smuggling and human trafficking networks, blockade of oil facilities.
All of this demonstrates fragility of the current security environment in Libya.
Continued competition among armed groups not only endangers civilians and causes them harm, but also pushes Libya further away from stability, peace and prosperity.
We call for:
- the cessation of violence,
- accountability for those responsible for attacks, forced disappearances and disturbances,
- and using every avenue to continue the unification of Libya's military and security institutions.
Moreover, the human rights situation remains deeply worrying.
We express our concern over the execution of more than 30 individuals in eastern Libya in recent months. We call on the authorities to uphold Libya's obligations under national and international law.
Latvia will continue to advocate for UNSMIL's efforts to facilitate full, equal and meaningful participation of Libyan women in leadership, decision-making and all other aspects of the political process.
We urge all parties to implement the relevant resolutions on the Women, Peace and Security agenda and to prevent and respond to sexual and gender-based violence.
In conclusion, Madam President, we reaffirm our commitment to the territorial integrity, sovereignty, independence and unity of Libya. Libyan-owned and Libyan-led political process facilitated by the UN, leading to safe, credible, and democratic elections is the only path towards peaceful, dignified, and prosperous future for the Libyan people. And as we approach negotiations on the renewal of UNSMIL mandate, we will engage constructively and reiterate its strong support for the mission's mandate. Thank you.