United Nations Security Council Resolution 2701 – The situation in Libya (Libya sanctions)

Resolution 2701 (2023)

The Security Council,

Recalling the arms embargo, travel ban, assets freeze and measures concerning illicit oil exports which were imposed and modified by resolutions 1970 (2011) and 2146 (2014), and modified by subsequent resolutions including resolutions 2441 (2018), 2509 (2020), 2526 (2020), 2571 (2021), and 2664 (2022), and that the mandate of the Panel of Experts established by paragraph 24 of resolution 1973 (2011)and modified by subsequent resolutions was extended until 15 November 2023 by resolution 2644 (2022), and also recalling resolution 2616 (2021),

Reaffirming its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity of Libya,

Reaffirming its strong commitment to an inclusive, Libyan-led and Libyan-owned political process, facilitated by the United Nations and supported by the international community, which builds on progress achieved in negotiations thus far, and enables the holding of free, fair, transparent and inclusive national presidential and parliamentary elections across Libya as soon as possible,

Renewing its request that all Member States support fully the efforts of the United Nations, and its call on Member States to use their influence with the parties to implement and uphold the ceasefire and support the Libyan-led and Libyan owned inclusive political process,

Expressing serious concern about violent clashes in Tripoli on 14 August 2023and the overall fragility of the security situation in Libya, and underlining the need for progress on the political and security tracks, including by continuing the efforts of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission towards reunification of the Libyan military and security institutions,

Calling for Member States to implement fully the existing measures and to report violations to the United Nations Sanctions Committee, and recalling in that regard that individuals or entities engaging in, or providing support for, acts that threaten the peace, stability or security of Libya may be designated for targeted sanctions,

Reaffirming that all parties must comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law, as applicable, and emphasising the importance of holding accountable those responsible for violations or abuses of human rights or violations of international humanitarian law, including those involved in attacks targeting civilians,

Stressing that the measures imposed by this resolution are not intended to have adverse humanitarian consequences for the civilian population of Libya, and recalling resolution 2664 (2022),

Expressing its concern that the illicit export of petroleum, including crude oil and refined petroleum products, from Libya undermines the Government of Libya and National Oil Corporation and poses a threat to the peace, security and stability of Libya, noting with concern the reports of the illicit import of petroleum, including crude oil and refined petroleum products to Libya, and emphasising the crucial role of the focal point appointed pursuant to resolution 2146 (2014) in safeguarding Libyan resources for the benefit of its people,

Recalling that providing support for armed groups or criminal networks through the illicit exploitation of crude oil or any other natural resources in Libya may constitute acts that threaten the peace, stability and security of Libya,

Further reiterating its concern about activities which could damage the integrity and unity of Libyan State financial institutions and the National Oil Corporation, and stressing the need for the unification of Libya’s institutions, and, in this regard, taking note of the announcement to further the unification of the Central Bank of Libya by its Governor and Deputy Governor on 20 August 2023,

Noting the Libyan Investment Authority’s (LIA) increasing cooperation with the Panel of Experts and calling on the LIA to continue its effort to offer an accurate consolidated financial statement in accordance with international standards and to provide financial statements of its subsidiaries,

Recalling that international law, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982, sets out the legal framework applicable to activities in the oceans and seas,

Further recalling resolutions 2292 (2016), 2357 (2017), 2420 (2018), 2473 (2019), 2526 (2020), 2578 (2021) 2635 (2022) and 2684 (2023) which in relation to the implementation of the arms embargo authorise, for the period of time specified by those resolutions, the inspection on the high seas off the coast of Libya of vessels bound to or from Libya believed to be carrying arms or related materiel in violation of relevant Security Council resolutions, and the seizure and disposal of such items provided that Member States make good faith efforts to first obtain the consent of the vessel’s flag State prior to any inspections while acting in accordance with those resolutions,

Determining that the situation in Libya continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security,

Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,

Adopted by the Security Council at its 9445th meeting, on 19 October 2023.