Explanation of vote by Sweden following the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2441 on Libya sanctions

Mr President,

We welcome the adoption of this resolution reaffirming the Council’s sanctions measures against Libya and we would like to thank the United Kingdom for the transparent and inclusive negotiation process.

Sweden together with the Netherlands, and with the strong support of partners, is particularly pleased to have introduced the act of planning, directing or committing sexual and gender-based violence as a separate and distinct criterion for listing under the sanctions. Unfortunately, this is particularly relevant in a Libya context. As reported by the Secretary-General, the SRSG on sexual violence in conflict and the 1970 Committee Panel of Experts, among others, conflict-related sexual violence as well as sexual violence in detention centers is an acute problem in Libya. It is our sincere hope that the high-lighting of this problem can make a decisive change, compel compliance and trigger accountability on the ground in Libya. On a horizontal level, we hope that the Council will continue to expand its sanctions listing criteria in other sanctions regimes when relevant, and counter the myth that sexual violence is an inevitable part of conflict.

We furthermore welcome the Council’s recognition of the need for sexual and gender-based violence expertise among the Panel of Experts which will further give the Committee and the Council the understanding it needs to address this serious problem.

Together with the UN Support Mission (UNSMIL), the referral of the situation in Libya to the ICC and the measures to prevent migrant smuggling through Libya, the sanctions play an integral part in the Security Council’s broader measures to support Libya in building long-term peace and stability.

The Libya Sanctions Committee recently finished its first ever mission to the country. The Committee through its Swedish Chair will provide its first impressions from that trip later this week.

I thank you, Mr President.