Security Council extends UN mission assisting Libya for another year

The Security Council today extended for 12 months the United Nations mission assisting Libya with its democratic transition, while adjusting its mandate to support national efforts to promote the rule of law, protect human rights, restore public security, and hold free and fair elections.

In a unanimously adopted resolution, the Council also decided that the extension of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) will be subject to review within six months.

The Council welcomed recent, positive developments in the country, and looked forward to free, fair and credible elections in June to establish a Constituent Assembly, which will be tasked with drafting a new constitution for Libya, where Muammar al-Qadhafi ruled for more than 40 years until last year’s uprising led to civil war and the deposing of his regime.

Last week the Secretary-General’s Special Representative and head of UNSMIL, Ian Martin, told the Council that the mission plans to maintain a “light footprint” in the country while striving to provide flexible, responsive and high quality expertise to support the democratic transition.

In its resolution, the Council reiterated the need for the transitional period to be underpinned by “a commitment to democracy, good governance, rule of law, national reconciliation and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.”

The 15-member body also adjusted the sanctions regime imposed on the country at the start of last year’s civil war.