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A Call for Collaborative Accuracy and Engagement in UN Reporting on Libya

In the spirit of sustaining constructive dialogue and upholding mutual respect, we address critical concerns regarding the recent United Nations Experts’ Report on Libya. At the heart of this response lies an unwavering commitment to partnership, precision, and the imperative of accurate representation in international governance.
From the Libyan perspective, the report’s analysis raises significant concerns, particularly in its portrayal of the private sector’s role in enhancing productive capacity and its questioning of the legitimacy of strategic partnerships, such as the collaboration with Arkenu. These partnerships, which include agreements for the development of two key fields, are firmly grounded in established legal frameworks. They were ratified under Resolution No. 685 of 2023 by the Supreme Council of Energy and the Council of Ministers of the Government of National Unity. Moreover, these initiatives are subject to rigorous oversight by Libya’s National Oil Corporation and other supervisory bodies, ensuring full compliance with both national and international standards.
It must be unequivocally stated that engagement with the national private sector is not only a sovereign right but also a strategic priority for Libya. Such collaborations empower local expertise to drive development efforts while adhering to internationally recognized norms. This approach strikes a critical balance between advancing national interests and upholding global governance principles.
The structure of this response is deliberate: (1) identifying concerns, (2) affirming the legal legitimacy and robust oversight of partnerships, and (3) reiterating the sovereign and strategic imperative of national-private collaborations.
Equally pressing is the procedural issue of consultation—or the lack thereof. The report’s preparation underscores a systemic challenge: the absence of meaningful engagement with Libyan institutions prior to publication. Local authorities, including the Supreme Council of Energy and the Government of National Unity, possess unparalleled insights into Libya’s socio-political landscape. Their exclusion from the process risks inaccuracies, undermines transparency, and perpetuates narratives that overlook validated processes—such as the meticulously managed oil exports through Hariga Port, overseen by the National Oil Corporation’s marketing management and the General Department of Inspection and Measurement.
The United Nations itself has emphasized that ‘disinformation poses a threat to security and stability.’ This principle underscores the necessity of pre-publication collaboration. Granting sovereign institutions the opportunity to review and respond to findings is not merely a procedural formality but a matter of respect, accuracy, and efficacy. Such dialogue would enhance report precision, mitigate misinterpretations, and build trust—a cornerstone of sustainable solutions.
Looking ahead, we strongly urge the UN to formalize a framework of proactive engagement with Libyan institutions. This approach would align seamlessly with the UN’s mandate to promote peace and stability, ensuring its analyses are informed by local expertise and reflective of ratified agreements. By prioritizing consultation, the UN can avoid unintended marginalization, sustain the credibility of its reports, and lay a stronger foundation for cooperative progress.
In conclusion, Libya remains steadfast in its commitment to constructive international partnerships. We firmly believe that combining rigorous fact-checking with inclusive dialogue will produce reports that not only capture the complexities of Libya’s evolving landscape but also advance shared global objectives of transparency, stability, and equitable development. Together, we can achieve a more accurate, collaborative, and impactful approach to international reporting.