With the second Berlin Conference on Libya taking place this Wednesday, 23 June, the European Movement International highlights the need to take steps towards creating lasting social peace in the country as it continues to work towards achieving political stability and reconciliation after 10 years of civil war. Moreover, we welcome the creation of the Government of National Unity (GNU) as a significant step to unite the country.

Key priority should be the promotion of security, solidarity and justice in Libya, with a peace and reconciliation process that can lead to trust and dialogue among members of the conflicting groups. As such, the European Movement welcomes the decision from April this year to create a National Reconciliation Commission. It is important that all detained people and war prisoners will be released, and all potential war crimes cases thoroughly examined by impartial investigators and the members of the judiciary.

For a sustainable and lasting result, the reconciliation and peace process must be first and foremost Libyan-led. Involving local actors, the process must be inclusive, allow for the representation of all relevant groups and encourage civic engagement, with particular attention towards increasing the participation of women and young people. Rebuilding the country’s infrastructure is of key importance, especially schools, hospitals, airports and transportation routes. Furthermore, all displaced people should have a right to come back to their homes or to receive compensation for their material losses.

The European Movement calls upon all foreign mercenaries to withdraw from Libyan territory in order to increase the country’s security and stop the spread of violence. All actors should respect the Libyan nation’s will and not intervene in the domestic issues of an independent and sovereign country.

Moreover, we suggest that a mutual declaration of Libyan National Sovereignty be signed and sent on to the UN with a request for the Security Council to open to the suitable international court of justice any final appeal to legal proceedings in Libya as a guarantee to protect human rights in Libya in the future.

Keeping in mind the importance of security and stability in the region not only for the people of Libya but also for Europeans, and the rest of the world, the EU and the international community must do their part in supporting the reconciliation efforts and capacities of Libyans at the local level, with the aim of encouraging the country to hold fair and democratic elections scheduled on the 24 December 2021 and to form a stable government. To this end, we also call on the European institutions to review the EU’s policies of cooperation with Libya on migration and border management and control. Achieving a lasting and comprehensive peace is a priority for the stability and prosperity of the region.