Libyan peace process: Switzerland welcomes appointment of new unified transitional authority

The Libyan Political Dialogue Forum, convened in Switzerland under the auspices of the UN, brought together 75 delegates who elected a unified executive authority. The authority is tasked with promoting reconciliation within the country and leading Libya to national elections scheduled for 24 December 2021.

Switzerland welcomes this crucial step towards achieving stability and lasting peace in Libya and supports the work of the UN and Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General Stephanie Williams. It also stands ready to host any further meetings that may be required by the parties in order to advance the peace process.

Switzerland has been active in Libya since 2009 through its peacebuilding and humanitarian aid efforts and projects based on its foreign policy on migration. It supports the work of the International Committee of the Red Cross, the World Food Programme and other humanitarian organisations operating in various parts of the country. Furthermore, Switzerland plays host to the Libyan peace talks under the auspices of the UN and since 2020, has taken an active role in the Berlin Process on Libya. Switzerland co-chairs the working group on international humanitarian law and human rights, which deals with issues such as protecting the civilian population, securing humanitarian access and promoting international law. 

Peace and security are key priorities in Switzerland's Foreign Policy Strategy 2020–23 and in the Federal Council's Middle East and North Africa Strategy 2021–24. This work involves contributing to conflict resolution and strengthening human rights. Peaceful conflict resolution also addresses the root causes of forced displacement, such as armed conflict and human rights violations, and thus contributes to reducing irregular migration.

Further information:

Bilateral relations Switzerland - Libya
MENA Strategy 2021-2024

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