Statement by the Deputy Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador João Genésio de Almeida Filho, at the UNSC Briefing on Libya (UNSMIL) - May 26th, 2022

Madam President,

I thank Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo for her briefing. I also thank Ambassador Tirumurti for the report on the work of the 1970 Committee.

We take note of the new round of negotiations in Cairo to overcome the political impasse in Libya. We hope that the Libyan political forces will reach an agreement on the constitutional framework that will make it possible to set new dates for the presidential and legislative elections. Completion of the transition period is a condition for the success of the national reconciliation.

Brazil understands that civil society has an important role to play in this process, and therefore urges the Libyan authorities to reconsider the restrictions imposed by the Civil Society Commission. Reports of arbitrary arrests of activists and opinion makers are extremely concerning, at a time when Libya is engaged in the construction of a democratic constitutional framework.

There are also concerns about the threat of deterioration in security conditions. We commend Libyan stakeholders for their commitment with preserving the ceasefire. We know, however, that the political impasse and the continuation of serious human rights violations place additional pressure on an extremely fragile stability.

The recent visit by Special Adviser Stephanie Williams to Tarhuna highlights the importance the United Nations attach to the investigation of crimes perpetrated by individuals and groups opposed to reconciliation. It is necessary to ensure that those involved in violations and abuses are held accountable for their actions, with transparency and in accordance with due process of law.

The Secretary-General’s report shows that the situation of migrants and refugees remains precarious. Reports continue to circulate about deaths, arbitrary and clandestine prisons, disappearances, torture and sexual violence against vulnerable individuals and families. Brazil appreciates the work carried out by UNSMIL in documenting cases and reiterates its appeal to the Libyan authorities to redouble their efforts to prevent such abuses from happening again.

I thank you.