UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has brought together representatives from 21 Libyan security and military institutions and actors to discuss establishing a common code of conduct.
Representatives from the Government of National Unity Ministries of Defense and Interior, Prime Minister Office, the Libyan National Army, the National Security Council, the National Programme for Demobilization, Disarmament and Reintegration and 15 other military and security institutions and actors met in Tunis 30 and 31 May to discuss adopting a common code of conduct, according to UNSMIL.
Discussion during the workshop, convened under the auspices of UNSMIL, focused largely on collaboratively reflecting on a draft common code of conduct prepared by Libyan officers. The group also considered principles of Libyan laws, international humanitarian law, and lessons learned in similar contexts across the world.
UNSMIL officer-in-charge, Deputy Special Representative for the Secretary General Stephanie Koury oversaw the discussion, the Mission said in a statement on its official website.
DSRSG Koury, in her remarks at the meeting, said she hoped establishing a unified code of conduct “can lead to improved stability, security, civilian protection, and respect for human rights. and contribute to creating a conducive environment for a political process.”
“Globally, good governance starts with how security institutions act to support the rule of law,” she said. “When security institutions perform unsystematically, sustained prosperity and the well-being of citizens remain elusive.”
The group generally agreed on the importance of a code of conduct and the importance of maintaining dialogue across institutions and actors.
“As we continue to encourage and support the unification of state institutions, let us remember that the path to reform is not easy, and it requires patience, persistence, and a shared vision,” DSRSG Koury told the assembly. “But I am confident that with your commitment and dedication, you can make significant strides.”
On the sidelines of the workshop, DSRSG Koury met with members of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission, which negotiated, with UN support, a ceasefire in 2020 in Libya’s latest civil war.
She emphasized the continued importance of their work and ways to continue and build on the ceasefire. She also thanked them for their efforts to strengthen security in Libya through continued dialogue, including their contribution to the proposed code of conduct.