Statement by H.E. Ambassador YAMAZAKI Kazuyuki, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the United Nations Security Council Briefing on the Situation in Libya

 
Thank you, Mr. President.
 
I thank acting Head of UNSMIL and DSRSG Ms. Koury for her update and her able work leading the Mission. I also thank Ms. Bugaighis for her important briefing. I welcome the Permanent Representative of Libya who joins us today.
 
At the outset, Japan welcomes the agreement between Libyan parties to appoint the Governor and Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Libya (CBL) and its endorsement by the House of Representatives and High Council of State, facilitated by the UNSMIL leadership. Given the important role the CBL plays in the Libyan economy, Japan calls for further constructive engagement by actors to ensure a fair and transparent distribution of the national wealth mainly from oil revenues.
 
Furthermore, no party should use control over the sources of Libya’s national wealth as a means to pressurise their rivals. In this vein, Japan welcomes the lifting of force majeure on oil fields to allow for the resumption of oil production.
 
Japan calls on the Libyan parties and institutions to refrain from any unilateral actions and decisions and use of forcible measures that could increase tensions and distrust, and to instead place the people’s interest above their own ambitions.
 
Mr. President,
 
Since the last Council briefing, we have seen a shocking report issued by UNSMIL and OHCHR on mass graves in Tarhuna. This report reveals details of local large-scale human rights violations and abuses that were committed in the town between 2013 and 2022.
 
In this regard, last week, Pre-Trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court (ICC) granted the Prosecutor’s request to unseal six arrest warrants issued in the Libya situation. Japan strongly supports the ICC’s contributions to the “rule of law” and “human dignity”.
 
These crimes are not merely events in Libya’s past. Systematic human rights violations and excessive restrictions on civic space continue to be reported. The situation that migrants are experiencing is of great concern as well.
 
Perpetrators must be held accountable, and the rule of law must prevail.
 
Turning to the political situation, Japan remains concerned about the lack of clear progress towards breaking the prolonged political stalemate. We reiterate our support for a Libyan-led and Libyan-owned political process facilitated by the United Nations, which will pave the way to credible and inclusive national elections, restoring the legitimacy of national institutions and providing a solid base for peace and security in Libya and the region. This call should include the realization of gender equality and WPS principles in whole society.
 
Japan also welcomes the African Union’s effort to revitalize the national reconciliation process, complementing the role of the UN.
 
Mr. President,
 
Later this month, the Security Council will renew the mandate of UNSMIL. As the complex political, economic, security, and humanitarian and human rights situations in Libya require continued international attention, Japan supports a one year extension of the mandate to allow the mission to carry on with its necessary work.
 
In conclusion, Japan renews its full support to the mission and strong commitment to the aspirations of the Libyan people for peace, security, prosperity, and dignity.

I thank you.