Security Council Extends Mandate of United Nations Support Mission in Libya, Unanimously Adopting Resolution 2291 (2016)

The Security Council today decided to extend until 15 December the mandate of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), under the leadership of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and in full accordance with the principles of national ownership.

Unanimously adopting resolution 2291 (2016), the 15-member Council recognized that UNSMIL had facilitated a consistent presence in that country to support the Presidency Council and the Temporary Security Committee.  It encouraged the Mission to re-establish a permanent presence in Libya and to make the necessary security arrangements.

Also, the Council requested that the Secretary-General report every 60 days on implementation of the resolution, and make recommendations for UNSMIL’s support to the subsequent phases of Libya’s transition process, and for the Mission’s own security arrangements.

The meeting began at 9:33 a.m. and ended at 9:35 a.m.

Resolution

The full text of resolution 2291 (2016) reads as follows:

“The Security Council,

“Recalling its resolution 1970 (2011) and all its subsequent resolutions on Libya,

“Reaffirming its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity of Libya,

“Taking note of the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) (S/2016/452),

“Expressing its support for the ongoing efforts of UNSMIL and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General to facilitate a Libyan-led political solution to the challenges facing Libya,

“Recalling resolution 2259 (2015) which endorses the Rome communiqué of 13 December 2015 to support the Government of National Accord as the sole legitimate Government of Libya, and welcoming the arrival in Tripoli on 30 March 2016 of members of the Presidency Council of the Government of National Accord, led by Prime Minister Fayez Serraj,

“Reiterating its support for the full implementation of the Libyan Political Agreement of Skhirat, Morocco, signed on 17 December 2015 to form a Government of National Accord consisting of the Presidency Council and Cabinet supported by the other institutions of state including the House of Representatives and State Council,

“Welcoming the endorsement in principle of the Libyan Political Agreement by the House of Representatives on 25 January 2016 and further welcoming the meeting of the Libyan Political Dialogue on 10 March 2016 which reaffirmed its commitment to uphold the Libyan Political Agreement,

“Recognizing the importance of continued inclusiveness, strongly encouraging the Government of National Accord to support reconciliation and enhance political outreach throughout Libya, and emphasizing the importance of all parties in Libya engaging constructively with the Libyan Political Agreement in good faith and with sustained political will,

“Urging the full, equal and effective participation of women in all activities relating to the democratic transition, conflict resolution and peacebuilding in line with relevant Security Council resolutions, including resolutions 1325 (2000), 2122 (2013) and 2242 (2015),

“Taking note of the Vienna communiqué of 16 May 2016 which urged all parties to work constructively towards the completion of the transitional institutional framework and welcomed the creation of the Presidential Guard by the Presidency Council, and stressing that ensuring security and defending Libya from terrorism must be the task of unified and strengthened national security forces under the sole authority of the Government of National Accord in accordance with the Libyan Political Agreement,

“Encouraging the Government of National Accord to finalize interim security arrangements for stabilizing Libya as a critical step towards tackling Libya’s political, security, humanitarian, economic and institutional challenges and to combat the threat of terrorism,

“Expressing grave concern at the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in Libya,

“Reiterating its request that all Member States fully support the efforts of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and work with the Libyan authorities and UNSMIL to develop a coordinated package of support to build the capacity of the Government of National Accord, in line with Libyan priorities and in response to requests for assistance, and further reiterating its call upon all parties to cooperate fully with the activities of UNSMIL, including taking necessary steps to ensure the security and unhindered movement for the UN and associated personnel,

“Recalling its determination in resolution 2213 (2015) that the situation in Libya continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security,

“1.   Decides to extend until 15 December 2016 the mandate of UNSMIL, under the leadership of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, as an integrated special political mission, in full accordance with the principles of national ownership, through mediation and good offices, to support implementation of the Libyan Political Agreement, the Government of National Accord, formation of its security arrangements, and subsequent phases of the Libyan transition process, and for UNSMIL within operational and security constraints, to undertake the following tasks:

“(i)   human rights monitoring and reporting;

“(ii)  support for securing uncontrolled arms and related materiel and countering its proliferation;

“(iii) support to key Libyan institutions;

“(iv)  support, on request, for the provision of essential services, and delivery of humanitarian assistance and in accordance with humanitarian principles;

“(v)   coordination of international assistance;

“2.   Recognizes that since 30 March 2016 UNSMIL has facilitated a consistent presence in Libya to support the Presidency Council and Temporary Security Committee and encourages UNSMIL to re-establish a permanent presence in Libya through a phased return, as security conditions allow and to make the necessary security arrangements to this effect;

“3.   Requests the Secretary-General to continue to report to the Security Council on the implementation of this resolution at least every 60 days;

“4.   Requests the Secretary-General to report as necessary following consultations with the Libyan authorities on recommendations for UNSMIL’s support to the subsequent phases of the Libyan transition process and UNSMIL’s security arrangements;

“5.   Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.”