Libya II - EP 4

Duration: 19-Mar-2014 to Present

After a DPRK-flagged vessel exporting Libyan oil from a rebel-held port of Sidra in eastern Libya was intercepted off the coast of Cyprus on 8 March 2014 upon the request of the internationally-recognized Libyan government, the General National Congress (GNC), UNSCR 2146 (19 March 2014) imposed a ban on illicit crude oil exports from Libya, as well as related financial transactions, vessels port entry, and provision of bunkering services, in an effort to thwart the financing of non-state actors. To this end, it requested the establishment of a Government focal point to identify vessels for designation and authorized MS inspections of those vessels.

Operating with the backing of Zintana-based militias, General Haftar launched Operation Dignity (Karama) in May 2014, challenging the authority of the GNC and targeting “terrorist” groups in the country. Islamist and Misrata-based militias reacted with the launch of Operation Libya Dawn (Fajr) in July. Initial clashes over control of Tripoli, which fell into the hands of the Libya Dawn coalition in August 2014, later spread to other parts of the country. Both coalitions faced challenges from more radical, Al-Qaida and ISIL-affiliated Islamist groups operating around the country, which were increasingly becoming prominent actors on their own. The warring factions were fighting for control over the country’s oil infrastructure and financial institutions and by mid-2014, Libya descended into a civil war. UN staff, including UNSMIL, was evacuated in mid-July and Ansar al-Sharia, Al-Qaida affiliate whose Derna and Benghazi branches were designated by the Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee on 19 November 2014, proclaimed the establishment of an emirate in Benghazi on 31 July 2014.

The situation was complicated further after the Operation Dignity and Libya Dawn coalitions took sides in the institutional crisis that erupted between the GNC and its elected successor, the House of Representatives (HoR), in August 2014. The GNC refused to hand over power to HoR after the body decided to convene in the eastern city of Tobruk instead of Benghazi. The two parliaments appointed rival governments and accused each other of procedural irregularities and illegality. The Tripoli-based GNC was supported by the Libya Dawn coalition, while the Tobruk-based HoR was backed by General Haftar’s forces which were subsequently integrated into the Libyan national army. In the fighting that erupted between the two rival governments, the GNC took over a number of administrative buildings, oil facilities, ports, and airports. Despite its limited control over much of Libya’s territory and borders, the newly elected HoR became internationally recognized as the legitimate government of Libya. Regionally, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Chad, and Saudi Arabia supported the HoR, while Qatar, Turkey, Algeria, Sudan, and Niger supported the GNC.

On 27 August 2014, the Security Council reacted to the situation by re-imposing the requirement for Committee approval of arms imports to the Libyan government (UNSCR 2174). The resolution also broadened the sanctions designation criteria to include those “engaging in or providing support for other acts that threaten the peace, stability or security of Libya, or obstruct or undermine the successful completion of its political transition.” The Special Representative and head of UNSMIL, Bernardino León, subsequently launched mediation efforts to bring both parties to engage in a political dialogue and reach a consensus about the next steps in Libya’s political transition.

Although UNSCR 2174 allowed for designations of leaders of militias from both sides of the conflict and León repeatedly stressed their potential usefulness in containing spoilers to the political process, balanced designations were blocked by disagreements among the P5, most notably in June 2015. Although the HoR was implicitly recognized by the UNSC as the de facto legitimate Government of Libya, no government arms imports embargo exemptions were authorized by the Sanctions Committee (despite numerous calls by HoR, the Arab League, and Jordan). A two-way arms embargo notwithstanding, Libya remained not only the destination but also the main source of illicit arms in the region. The Panel of Experts stressed that post-2011 transfers of arms to Libya, as well as the widespread practice of hiring militias by the two rival governments, further exacerbated the internal security problem and urged suspension of all military materiel transfers rather than lifting of the restrictions. Disagreement between Libya and the ICC persisted over the case of Saif al-Islam Qadhafi whom Libya refused to hand over to the ICC, proceeding instead with its own in absentia trial in which he was sentenced to death in July 2015. Responding to the ICC’s demands, Libyan authorities stressed that Qadhafi’s sentence was not yet final and he could not be surrendered because he was not in the Government’s custody.

UN-brokered talks between representatives of HoR and GNC, as well as a broad range of other domestic actors, continued throughout 2015. Although local conflicts with tribal, criminal, and terrorist groups continued and ISIL significantly expanded its control over Libyan territory, fighting between the two coalitions stopped in April 2015. A preliminary political agreement providing for a ceasefire and the creation of a national unity government was signed by a number of participants in Skhirat, Morocco on 11 July 2015. While elements within the Libya Dawn coalition publicly supported the dialogue, the GNC did not endorse the text. UNSMIL presented a final version of the document (which incorporated some of GNC’s objections) in October 2015. Hardliners on both sides, including General Haftar (aligned with HoR), rejected the document and both governments delayed its adoption. In defiance of the UN-mediated process, HoR unilaterally extended its mandate beyond 20 October 2015 and GNC launched an alternative negotiation in Tunis in November. The new SRSG Martin Kobler, who was named in November 2015, refused to change the October text and following a substantial degree of international pressure – including through a 13 December 2015 Rome Communiqué that effectively denounced parallel negotiation efforts by objecting GNC and HoR leaders – members of both governments signed the Libyan Political Agreement (LPA) on 17 December 2015. The LPA, which became the roadmap for the subsequent political transition in Libya, envisaged the creation of a Presidency Council and a Government of National Accord (GNA), and the co-existence of two legislative bodies – HoR and a consultative High Council of State (comprised mostly of GNC members). UNSCR 2259 (23 December 2015) welcomed the signing of the LPA, endorsed the Rome Communiqué supporting GNA as the sole legitimate government of Libya, and called upon Member States to “cease support to and official contact with parallel institutions that claim to be the legitimate authority but are outside of the Agreement.”

The Presidency Council headed by Prime Minister Fayez al-Serraj arrived in Tripoli on 30 March 2016. However, HoR did not formally endorse the GNA, which had been nominated by the Presidency Council, maintaining reservations regarding the transfer of military power under Article 8 of the LPA that would see General Haftar lose his position as commander of Libyan armed forces. The following day, on 31 March 2016, UNSCR 2278 renewed provisions regarding illicit crude oil exports and requested the appointment of two GNA focal points, one for oil exports and another for communication regarding its security forces. After HoR approved the exports of crude oil from Tobruk on 26 April 2016, the GNA demanded the first designation of a vessel illegally exporting Libyan crude oil, which led to its listing, interception, and subsequent delisting upon compliance. In May 2016, western-based pro-GNA armed groups and eastern-based anti-GNA factions mobilized (separately) to retake Sirte from ISIL and 20 Foreign Ministers met in Vienna to reiterate their support for LPA and PM Serraj, encouraging him to continue setting up the GNA. UNSCR 2292 (14 June 2016) authorized inspection of vessels suspected of arms imports and exports embargo violations and UNSCR 2298 (22 July 2016) authorized Member States’ assistance in eliminating Libya’s chemical weapons stockpile at Libya’s request.

The Presidency Council and the GNA, however, continued to be opposed by both elements of HoR and former GNC. The HoR President called on HoR members to stop collaborating with the GNA Presidency Council-controlled ministries in September 2016, while forces loyal to the former GNC Prime Minister took over the buildings of the High Council of State in October. Armed clashes between pro- and anti-GNA militias and division of financial and economic institutions continued throughout 2016, despite the SRSG’s attempts to overcome the political deadlock as well as mediation efforts by a number of international actors, including the US. In October 2016, UNSMIL drafted a new roadmap to amend the LPA, which was endorsed by the Quartet (UN, EU, AU, and the Arab League) in March 2017. A regional initiative between Algeria, Tunisia, and Egypt was launched at the beginning of 2017 and an Egypt-led process to integrate Libya’s military forces followed.

Pro-GNA forces, supported by US airstrikes, liberated Sirte from ISIL control in December 2016, and, in March 2017, GNC forces were drawn out of Tripoli. Despite the successes, internal divisions within the Presidency Council, as well as tensions with the south, increased in 2017. After one of its southern members resigned in January 2017, declaring that the Council had “failed,” violence in the south flared up in April. In July 2017, Haftar’s Libyan National Army declared Benghazi “liberated” from terrorism and began focusing on Derna. Although ISIL ceased to hold territory in Libya in mid-2017, it continues being active in the country. After years of inaction, the ICC unsealed an arrest warrant against a former head of the Libyan Internal Security Agency in April 2017 and issued a new arrest warrant against a commander close to General Haftar in August 2017 (a second arrest warrant followed in July 2018). On 9 June 2017, after an amnesty issued by HoR, Saif al-Islam Qadhafi was released by the Zintan militias holding him despite a pending ICC arrest warrant and a 2015 death sentence issued in absentia by a court in Tripoli. All three remain at large. The admissibility of Saif al-Islam Qadhafi’s case, which was repeatedly challenged by his lawyer, was confirmed by the ICC in April 2019 and March 2020.

On 26 June 2017, the Security Council adopted UNSCR 2362, expanding the UNSCR 2146 illicit crude oil exports ban and the related vessels port entry, bunkering services, financial transactions ban, and inspection authorization to all illicit petroleum exports, including crude oil and refined petroleum products, subject to periodic renewal. It also welcomed the appointment of UNSCR 2146 GNA focal point, making it a common channel of communication regarding all illicit petroleum exports information. Two listings of vessels were subsequently made in July and August 2017 (both were delisted in April 2018).

Martin Kobler was replaced as SRSG on 22 June 2017 by Ghassan Salamé and a new round of mediation efforts by a range of actors tried to address the Libyan political deadlock. On 25 July 2017, Serraj and Haftar met in Paris, issuing a 10-point declaration including a ceasefire and a commitment on working towards elections and securing the Libyan territory against terrorism and trafficking. The Security Council welcomed the meeting and the joint declaration two days later (SC/12933), but it remained largely unimplemented. On 20 September 2017, SRSG Salamé unveiled a new UN Action Plan, endorsed by the Security Council in its 10 October 2017 Presidential Statement (S/PRST/2017/19). The Plan’s four-step sequence included (1) adoption of amendments to LPA, (2) organization of a national conference, (3) agreement on a constitution, and (4) holding of parliamentary and presidential elections. Although HoR approved the UN Action Plan in November, the High Council of State (comprised mostly of GNC members) as well as General Haftar (military supporter of the HoR) rejected it, with the former claiming that the LPA ceases to be effective on 17 December 2017, two years following its signing. In response, the Security Council adopted a Presidential Statement on 14 December 2017 (S/PRST/2017/26) emphasizing “the continuity of the LPA throughout Libya’s transitional period” and declaring it the “only viable framework to end the Libyan political crisis.”

Although there has been little progress on amending the LPA, a February 2018 Libyan supreme court decision removed legal challenges against the 29 July 2017 constitution adopted by the Libyan Constitution Drafting Assembly (rejected by HoR) and the first phase of the inclusive national conference took place in April 2018. On 29 May 2018, leaders of the Presidential Council, HoR, High Council of State, and General Haftar’s Libyan National Army (LNA) attended an international conference hosted by French President Macron in Paris under UN auspices. Although they did not sign a common document, they declared their commitment to adopt election legislation by 16 September 2018, hold parliamentary and presidential elections by 10 December 2018, and unite the country’s financial and security institutions that have been split since 2014. The momentum generated by the conference, as well as the commitments of the parties of the Paris Declaration, were welcomed by the Security Council in a Presidential Statement on 6 June 2018 (S/PRST/2018/11). The Statement also welcomed the conclusion of the first phase of the National Conference, launched by SRSG Salamé in line with his 2017 UN Action Plan. When the deadlines set in the 29 May 2018 Paris declaration passed without progress, further international conferences were convened in November 2018 in Palermo and in February 2019 in Abu Dhabi.

On 7 June 2018, the Sanctions Committee designated 6 individuals for serious human rights abuses against migrants and refugees in Libya (4 Libyan and 2 Eritrean nationals). Four were leaders of transnational trafficking networks, one head of the Patrol Refinery Guard, and one commander of the Regional Coast Guard in the north-western part of the country. The listing presented the first additions to the Libyan sanctions list since 2011 and the first ever listings for human trafficking. The designations follow UNSCR 2240 from 9 October 2015, in which the Security Council condemned the acts of migrant smuggling and human trafficking into, via, and from the Libyan territory, but invoke more general human rights abuses listing criteria from UNSCR 1970, 2174, and 2213 rather than extend the criteria specifically to migrant smuggling and human trafficking. UNSCR 2240 also authorized the use of all commensurate measures, including inspection and seizure, against vessels on the high seas off the coast of Libya suspected of being used for migrant smuggling and human trafficking (originally for 1 year, renewed periodically thereafter). Besides being responsible for human rights violations, the 2018 Panel of Experts report indicated that trafficking in persons and the smuggling of migrants also represented a significant source of income for armed groups, which provide protection services and extract passage taxes from existing smuggling and trafficking networks.

Two more designees were added in 2018. On 11 September 2018, the Sanctions Committee designated an individual for attempting an illicit export of oil, as well as for his role in recruiting foreign fighters and participation in repeated attacks on the country’s oil installations, which resulted in significant losses for the Libyan economy. The need for an exclusive control over Libya’s oil resources, which is regularly challenged by armed groups (including General Haftar’s LNA), under the GNA-controlled National Oil Company, as well as the need to bring other economic and financial institutions under GNA oversight, was stressed by the Security Council in July 2018 (SC/13429). A second individual travel ban and asset freeze designation, targeting a senior commander of an anti-GNA armed group responsible for attacks against civilians and repeated attempts to remove GNA from power, was added on 16 November 2018. Expanding the UN sanctions regime on Libya, UNSCR 2441 from 5 November 2018 added a new designation criterion, enabling the imposition of sanctions for sexual and gender-based violence. Introduced by the Netherlands and Sweden, it was opposed by Russia and China, who abstained during the adoption of the resolution.

Following months of military escalation over the control of oil fields and key strategic locations in the south of Libya, the situation in the country was profoundly transformed by the launch of a military offensive on Tripoli by General Khalifa Haftar on 4 April 2019. Targeting the internationally recognized GNA, the LNA military operation was initiated during the Secretary General’s visit to Libya ahead of the UN-organized National Conference planned for mid-April. Amidst ongoing fighting, the conference was cancelled and progress on the political track stalled, with both parties being intransigent by making maximalist demands and preferring to advance their positions militarily.

The outbreak of a military conflict between General Haftar’s LNA and Tripoli-based GNA, headed by Prime Minister Serraj, led to the re-alignment of various Libyan armed groups with either of the two sides. Although Haftar expected a swift victory, the alignment of Misrata militias and local Tripoli-based militias with the GNA led to months of military stalemate, with the LNA at the outskirts of Tripoli. Both sides received external supplies of arms, technical support, and non-Libyan fighters in violation of the UN arms embargo, which fueled the conflict and strengthened its proxy character. According to the 2019 Panel of Experts report, which called the arms embargo violations “repeated and sometimes blatant,” the majority of transfers to LNA came from Jordan and the UAE, while Turkey openly acknowledged militarily supporting the GNA. Armed groups from Chad and Sudan operated on both sides, but most Sudanese groups were affiliated with LNA, while the majority of fighters from Chad were on the side of the GNA. A strong UNSC response to the renewed fighting has been difficult due to internal divisions. Although all P5 members recognize the GNA as the legitimate government of Libya, France, Russia, and the US tend to support General Haftar politically (regionally, Haftar enjoys the support of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt). Partly as a result, an attempt by the UK, the penholder on Libya, to adopt a resolution calling for a ceasefire failed in mid-April 2019. The UNSC did agree, however, on press elements stressing the need to de-escalate the situation, commit to a ceasefire, and return to UN political mediation in July 2019 (SC/13873), with further reiterations in August and December 2019.

In response to the ongoing conflict, SRSG Ghassan Salamé proposed a new 3 steps plan in July 2019, involving a truce, a high-level international conference, and a meeting with influential Libyan personalities. A set of meetings subsequently took place in Berlin, but external support for both sides of the conflict continued. Most notably, on 27 November 2019, the GNA and Turkey signed two cooperation agreements, one on military and security, another on maritime boundary delineations. Following a request from the GNA, Turkey sent troops to Libya on 5 January 2020, openly intervening on the side of the GNA. Turkey and Russia subsequently tried to organize a ceasefire between the warring parties, but General Haftar refused to sign and his supporters proceeded to block oil facilities in mid-January, which has had a significant impact on the GNA’s revenue stream. On 19 January 2020, another international conference took place in Berlin. The participating states, many of whom support one of the two sides, adopted conclusions on six areas related to the conflict (i.e. political, economic and financial, security, arms embargo, international humanitarian law, and international human rights law) and committed to refrain from interfering in Libya’s armed conflict and internal affairs. The conference also led to the establishment of a military “5+5 committee” (composed of 5 representatives nominated by Serraj and 5 by Haftar) and an international follow-up committee. The Security Council endorsed the outcomes of the Berlin Conference in UNSCR 2510 (12 February 2020), demanding that member states not intervene in the conflict. Two rounds of indirect talks took place in Geneva in February 2020, but failed to produce an agreement. SRSG Salamé resigned on 2 March 2020, citing stress-related health issues, and external interference in the Libyan conflict continued.

Despite the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020, neither UNSMIL’s call for a humanitarian ceasefire, nor the SG’s call for a global ceasefire held, and the conflict intensified. In early April 2020, the GNA military coalition started to make military advances against Haftar’s LNA forces, in large part due to significant Turkish support. On 27 April 2020, General Haftar announced his intention to set up alternative political institutions, declaring “the end” of the UN-mediated agreement signed in 2015. However, all LNA positions in greater Tripoli were retaken by the GNA in June 2020. Egypt’s subsequent ceasefire proposal was rejected by the GNA, which was turning the tide of the conflict militarily. The Egyptian Parliament authorized a military intervention in July 2020, which was welcomed by the LNA-affiliated HoR.

Amidst the latest resurgence of violence, UNSMIL, the SG, as well as the Panel of Experts repeatedly denounced increases in arms embargo violations. However, in the tense situation caused by renewed fighting and various attempts to secure foreign funding by preventing the flow of migrants to Europe, the Panel noted that human trafficking and migrant smuggling “all but collapsed” in comparison with the pre-2018 period, decreasing by almost 90 percent since its peak in 2016. Smuggling of petroleum products by both land and sea, while continuing at significant levels, also decreased. Several attempts to export crude oil illicitly were thwarted, and the GNA appointed a new focal point for UNSCR 2146. No new vessels were designated, however, and the focal point mechanism continued to face serious implementation issues, not least because of the continued existence of rival institutions and limited control of GNA over the country’s oil infrastructure.

The UNSC also continued to extend the UNSCR 2362 sanctions restrictions on the illicit exports of petroleum products, as well as UNSCR 2240 human trafficking and UNSCR 2292 arms embargo related vessel inspection authorizations. However, verification of the implementation of the arms embargo through vessel inspections was de facto suspended between March 2019 and April 2020 due to internal divisions within the EU that stripped EUNAVFOR MED Operation SOPHIA of its naval assets. Maritime controls resumed under the follow-up Operation IRINI, which acts under both UNSC authorizations.


Coerce

Coerce all parties to agree to a ceasefire and continuation of an inclusive transitional process.

Constrain

Constrain all parties from undermining the transitional process and prevent the financing of non-state actors though illicit exports of petroleum.

Signal

Signal support for an inclusive transitional process (outlined in the 2015 Libyan Political Agreement and subsequent modifications) and the legitimacy of the transitional government (initially the GNC, then HoR, and most recently the Government of National Accord (GNA) as the sole legitimate government of Libya).


Mandatory

Ongoing arms imports (all parties, conditional Government exemptions for security, disarmament, and counter-terrorism) and arms exports embargo, travel ban, individual/entity and political entity (government) asset freeze, and financial sector restrictions (sovereign wealth funds asset freeze).

Newly imposed ban on illicit crude oil exports and related vessels port entry, provision of bunkering services, and financial transactions (expanded to all illicit petroleum exports in June 2017).


Current and maximum number of designees during the episode – 28 individual travel ban and 23 individual asset freeze designees (including members of former regime and individuals engaged in migrant smuggling and human trafficking) and 2 entity asset freeze designees (Libyan Africa Investment Portfolio and Libyan Investment Authority). 3 vessels were designated during the episode for varying periods of time (none remains listed).

Current list of sanctions designees:

https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1970/materials


Potential scope of impact

Medium

UN sanctions can have some non-discriminating impact on the general population, since they include arms embargoes, diplomatic sanctions, and/or restrictions on the conduct of particular activities or the export of specific commodities.


New sanctions (illicit crude oil exports ban and related financial transactions, vessels port entry, and provision of bunkering services, from June 2017 on all illicit petroleum products) imposed for a limited time period (1 year) and renewed periodically. Ongoing sanctions in place indefinitely. Sanctions Committee and Panel of Experts in place. Designation criteria were specified and targets designated. Enforcement authorities specified.

Implementation assistance notices:

Panel of Experts reports:

https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1970/panel-experts/reports


Coercion

Ineffective

Policy outcome

Direct clashes between Operation Dignity and Operation Libya Dawn largely ceased in April 2015 and the rival governments participated in UN-led peace negotiations and signed the Libyan Political Agreement in December 2015. However, the HoR has not formally endorsed the new government set up by the agreement and its ally, General Haftar, continues to challenge the authority of the UN-recognized GNA militarily. The agreement itself has become increasingly less central to the transition since 2017, with a number of amendments trying to get the transition back on track. While the parties publicly agreed to a number of commitments, including a ceasefire, elections, and the unity of financial and security institutions, and continue to participate in UN-led peace negotiations, their implementation remains limited and the parties prefer to resolve political impasses through military alliances and the use of force.

Sanctions contribution

The threat of sanctions imposition seems to have contributed to the decision to participate in the UN peace talk initiatives but SRSG and third party-led mediation efforts were more important early in the episode. Designations of political process spoilers, potentially useful both during the negotiations as well as post-agreement, were blocked by disagreements among Security Council between 2011 and 2018, despite the changing nature of the Libyan conflict and sources of spoiler activity. Military action, including by foreign backers of both the GNA and the LNA, has been more important for the outcome than UN sanctions or mediation efforts.

Constraint

Ineffective

Policy outcome

Fighting between the two main parties to the conflict initially ceased in April 2015 but armed challenges to the Libyan state continued as independent militias operate throughout the country (often with the support of political actors) and large-scale violence resumed in April 2019. Despite the arms embargo, arms continue to be both widely available and routinely imported and exported, fueling the conflict in Libya as well as the broader region. ISIL attacked several oil fields early in the episode, but did not generate direct revenue from oil according to the Panel of Experts and lost territorial control in Libya in mid-2017. Since early 2016, oil revenues are under the authority of the UN-recognized GNA but the country’s oil facilities are not fully in government’s control, leading to a loss of revenue and potential sources of funding for other entities, including General Haftar’s LNA.

Sanctions contribution

Sanctions have supported mediation by seeking to cut the revenue sources from actors other than the legitimate government of Libya, suspend exemptions during mediation, and create focal points within the internationally recognized government of Libya (HoR, then GNA), but mediation and especially military force have been more important. Foreign government forces present in Libya were initially focused primarily on fighting ISIL and Al-Qaida affiliated groups, but since 2019 concentrated increasingly on shaping the outcome of the domestic struggle for power between the GNA and the LNA.

Signaling

Ineffective

Policy outcome

Support for the transition process has been clearly articulated and the UN was taking a consistent position regarding the legitimate authorities in Libya. However, the clarity of the signal was undercut by competing support for the two rival governments, including by members of the UNSC. The stigmatization of actors outside of the LPA has been weakened by member states’ bilateral contacts with opposing individuals (like General Haftar) as well as the gradual abandonment of LPA as a framework for Libyan political transition. The focus on addressing human trafficking and migrant smuggling, and related designations, have diffused the sanctions’ signal by shifting attention away from the Libyan political transition after 2015, while routine and widespread disregard for UN arms embargo signaled limited international support for the peaceful resolution of the Libyan conflict.

Sanctions contribution

Diplomatic pressure and political mediation were the principal instruments articulating support for the transition process and the stigmatization of targets, but sanctions supported ongoing mediation efforts and signaled support for the legitimate authorities in Libya. The proliferation of mediating parties (other than the SRSG) with their own objectives towards the end of the episode weakened the UN’s importance in facilitating and supporting the transition process.

Overall

Ineffective

Increase in corruption and/or criminality, increase in human rights violations, harmful effects on neighboring states, strengthening of political factions, significant burden on implementing states, humanitarian consequences.


19-03-2014

Substantive

  • Imposes illicit crude oil exports ban and authorizes MS inspection of such vessels (1 year), specifying the procedure to follow
  • Imposes port entry ban to such vessels (1 year) and specifies inspection and emergency exemptions
  • Imposes prohibition on provision of bunkering services to such vessels (1 year) and specifies exemptions for humanitarian and return to Libya purposes (Committee notification)
  • Imposes prohibition on financial transactions with respect to illicit crude oil aboard such vessels (1 year)

Procedural

  • Requests establishment of Government of Libya focal point for communicating with Committee regarding crude oil exports measures and its informing of any vessels illicitly transporting crude oil from Libya
  • Permits Committee vessel designations (90 days, renewable)
  • Requires MS reporting upon vessel inspection

27-08-2014

Substantive

  • Delineates designation criteria, including those threatening the peace, stability or security of Libya, undermining successful completion of its political transition, or providing support for armed groups or criminal networks through illicit exploitation of crude oil or any other natural resources in Libya
  • Re-imposes prior Committee approval requirement for UNSCR 2009 arms imports embargo exemption for security and disarmament assistance to Libyan government
  • Calls for inspection of all cargo to and from Libya, if reasonable grounds for sanctions violation

Procedural

  • Requires MS reporting upon inspection

05-03-2015

Substantive

  • Renews UNSCR 2146 illicit crude oil exports ban and related vessels port entry, bunkering services, and financial transactions ban and MS inspection authorization of such vessels (until 31.03.2015)

Procedural

  • Extends UNSMIL mandate (until 31.03.2015)

27-03-2015

Substantive

  • Renews UNSCR 2146 illicit crude oil exports ban, including the related vessels port entry, bunkering services, and financial transactions ban and MS inspection authorization of such vessels (until 31.03.2016)
  • Calls for inspection of vessels and aircraft to or from Libya, if reasonable grounds for UNSCR 1970, 2009, 2095 and 2174 arms embargo violation
  • Delineates designation criteria

Procedural

  • Extends and modifies Panel of Experts mandate (until 30.04.2016)
  • Extends and modifies UNSMIL mandate (until 15.09.2015)
  • Requires MS reporting upon inspection

09-10-2015

Substantive

  • Condemns acts of migrant smuggling and human trafficking into, through, and from the Libyan territory and off the coast of Libya
  • Authorizes the use of all commensurate measures, as well as inspection and seizure of vessels on the high seas off the coast of Libya if reasonable grounds for their use for migrant smuggling and human trafficking (1 year), requiring MS to inform the flag State of any actions taken with respect to such vessels, and affirms that the authorization applies only in confronting migrant smugglers and human traffickers on the high seas off the coast of Libya
  • Emphasizes that all migrants, including asylum seekers, should be treated with humanity and dignity and their rights should be fully respected
  • Calls upon MS to assist Libya in securing its borders and preventing, investigating, and prosecuting such acts
  • Urges MS and regional organizations to cooperate with the Libyan government, including by information sharing, and to be vigilant regarding such acts
  • Calls upon MS to investigate and prosecute persons responsible for acts of migrant smuggling and human trafficking at sea and consider ratifying or acceding to the relevant UN Protocols regarding the issue

Procedural

  • Requests MS reporting upon inspection, seizure, and other measures used with regards to such vessels
  • Requests SG reporting

23-12-2015

Substantive

  • Welcomes the signing of the 17 December 2015 Libyan Political Agreement of Skhirat, Morocco to form a Government of National Accord (GNA) and the subsequent formation of the Presidency Council
  • Endorses the 13 December 2015 Rome Communiqué supporting GNA as the sole legitimate government of Libya
  • Calls upon MS to cease support to and official contact with parallel institutions outside of the Agreement
  • Urges MS to assist the GNA in responding to threats to Libyan security

31-03-2016

Substantive

  • Renews UNSCR 2146 illicit crude oil exports ban, including the related vessels port entry, bunkering services, and financial transactions ban and MS inspection authorization of such vessels (until 31.07.2017)

Procedural

  • Requests appointment of GNA focal point for communication regarding UNSCR 2146 illicit crude oil exports ban, including vessel designation
  • Requests appointment of GNA focal point for communication regarding its security forces and their military equipment and training needs
  • Affirms GNA may submit arms imports embargo exemption requests for security forces under GNA control combating ISIL, Ansar Al Sharia, Al-Qaida, or other associated groups under UNSCR 2174 exemption procedure (prior Committee approval)
  • Extends Panel of Experts mandate (until 31.07.2017)

14-06-2016

Substantive

  • Authorizes inspection of vessels on the high seas off the coast of Libya if reasonable grounds for UNSCR 1970, 2009, 2095, and 2174 arms imports and exports embargo violation, as well as related seizure, disposal, and use of all commensurate measures (1 year) and specifies the related conditions

Procedural

  • Requires MS reporting upon inspection
  • Requests SG reporting

22-07-2016

Substantive

  • Authorizes MS to assist in eliminating Libya's chemical weapons stockpile by acquiring, controlling, transporting, transferring and destroying chemical weapons identified by the Director-General of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (with appropriate consultations with GNA)

06-10-2016

Substantive

  • Condemns migrant smuggling and human trafficking
  • Calls upon MS to inspect, with the consent of the flag state, vessels on the high seas off the coast of Libya, if reasonable grounds they were/are/will be used for migrant smuggling or human trafficking from Libya
  • Extends UNSCR 2240 authorization to inspect and seize vessels used for migrant smuggling or human trafficking from Libya (1 year)

Procedural

  • Requests MS reporting upon inspection, seizure, and other measures used with regards to such vessels
  • Requests SG reporting

12-06-2017

Substantive

  • Extends UNSCR 2292 authorizations for inspection of vessels on the high seas off the coast of Libya if reasonable grounds for UNSCR 1970, 2009, 2095, and 2174 arms imports and exports embargo violation, as well as related seizure, disposal, and use of all commensurate measures (1 year)

Procedural

  • Requests SG reporting

29-06-2017

Substantive

  • Expands UNSCR 2146 illicit crude oil exports ban, including the related vessels port entry, bunkering services, and financial transactions ban and MS inspection authorization of such vessels to all illicit petroleum exports, including crude oil and refined petroleum products (until 15.11.2018)
  • Reaffirms UNSCR 1970, 2009, and 2213 travel ban and asset freeze and expands the designation criteria by attacks against UN personnel
  • Urges MS to assist Government of National Accord in response to threats to national security and defeating ISIL, Ansar Al Sharia, and other AQ-affiliated groups

Procedural

  • .Welcomes the appointment of a UNSCR 2146 focal point by the Government of National Accord for communication with Sanctions Committee regarding crude oil (and refined petroleum products) exports measures and any vessels illicitly transporting them from Libya & Libyan security forces and military equipment
  • Requests Government of National Accord to confirm to the Sanctions Committee when it exercises sole and effective oversight over National Oil Corporation, Central Bank of Libya, and Libyan Investment Authority
  • Extends and modifies Panel of Experts mandate (until 15.11.2018)

05-10-2017

Substantive

  • Condemns migrant smuggling and human trafficking
  • Urges MS and regional organizations to be vigilant for acts of migrant smuggling and human trafficking on the high seas and airspace off the coast of Libya
  • Calls upon MS to inspect unflagged vessels (including inflatable boats, rafts, and dinghies) and, with the consent of the flag state, also flagged vessels on the high seas off the coast of Libya, if reasonable grounds they were/are/will be used for migrant smuggling or human trafficking from Libya
  • Extends UNSCR 2240 authorization to inspect and seize vessels used for migrant smuggling or human trafficking from Libya (1 year)

Procedural

  • Requests MS reporting upon inspection, seizure, and other measures used with regards to such vessels
  • Requests SG reporting

11-06-2018

Substantive

  • Extends UNSCR 2292 authorizations for inspection of vessels on the high seas off the coast of Libya if reasonable grounds for UNSCR 1970, 2009, 2095, and 2174 arms imports and exports embargo violation, as well as related seizure, disposal, and use of all commensurate measures (1 year)

Procedural

  • Requests SG reporting

03-10-2018

Substantive

  • Condemns migrant smuggling and human trafficking
  • Extends UNSCR 2240 authorization, on the high seas off the coast of Libya, to inspect, seize, and use all commensurate measures regarding vessels used for migrant smuggling or human trafficking from Libya (1 year)

Procedural

  • Requests MS reporting upon inspection, seizure, and other measures used with regards to such vessels
  • Requests SG reporting

05-11-2018

Substantive

  • Condemns attempts to illicitly export petroleum, including crude oil and refined petroleum products, from Libya
  • Renews UNSCR 2146 illicit crude oil exports ban, including the related vessels port entry, bunkering services, and financial transactions ban and MS inspection authorization of such vessels, as well as vessels engaged in (attempted) illicit petroleum exports (until 15.02.2020)
  • Expands UNSCR 1970, 1973, and 2213 travel ban and asset freeze designation criteria by acts involving sexual and gender-based violence

Procedural

  • Urges the Government of National Accord (GNA) to work closely with the National Oil Company regarding information on vessels transporting petroleum illicitly to regularly inform the Committee about ports, oil fields, and installations under its control and mechanisms used to certify legal petroleum exports
  • Calls on GNA to contact the concerned flag state and directs the Committee to immediately inform MS about notifications from GNA’s focal point regarding petroleum illicitly exported from Libya
  • Requests GNA to inform the Committee when it establishes a full oversight over the National Oil Corporation, the Central Bank of Libya, and the Libyan Investment Authority
  • Urges MS to provide GNA security and capacity building assistance regarding its fight against ISIL, AQ and associates
  • Urges GNA to improve its implementation of the arms embargo, as well as its monitoring and control over arms supplied, sold, or transferred to Libya in accordance with UNSCR 1970 and 2174, including through end user certificates
  • Extends and modifies Panel of Experts mandate (until 15.02.2020)
  • Calls for MS reporting

10-06-2019

Substantive

  • Extends UNSCR 2292 authorizations for inspection of vessels on the high seas off the coast of Libya if reasonable grounds for UNSCR 1970, 2009, 2095, and 2174 arms imports and exports embargo violation, as well as related seizure, disposal, and use of all commensurate measures (1 year)

Procedural

  • Requests SG reporting

03-10-2019

Substantive

  • Condemns migrant smuggling and human trafficking
  • Extends UNSCR 2240 authorization, on the high seas off the coast of Libya, to inspect, seize, and use all commensurate measures regarding vessels used for migrant smuggling or human trafficking from Libya (1 year)

Procedural

  • Requests MS reporting upon inspection, seizure, and other measures used with regards to such vessels
  • Requests SG reporting

11-02-2020

Substantive

  • Condemns attempts to illicitly export petroleum, including crude oil and refined petroleum products, from Libya
Existing sanctions
  • Renews UNSCR 2146 and 2441 illicit petroleum exports ban and related provisions, including port entry, bunkering services, and financial transactions ban, as well as MS inspection authorization of such vessels (until 30.04.2021)
Enhanced implementation
  • Calls for full compliance with UNSCR 1970, 2009, 2095, and 2174 arms embargo
  • Calls on the Government of National Accord to improve implementation of the arms embargo, including at all entry points, and cooperation and information sharing regarding travel ban

Procedural

  • Extends the UNSCR 2146 designation period for vessels from 90 days to 1 year (renewable)
  • Extends Panel of Experts mandate (until 15.05.2021)
  • Urges MS and UN bodies, including UNSMIL, reporting

05-06-2020

Substantive

  • Extends UNSCR 2292 authorizations for inspection of vessels on the high seas off the coast of Libya if reasonable grounds for UNSCR 1970, 2009, 2095, and 2174 arms imports and exports embargo violation, as well as related seizure, disposal, and use of all commensurate measures (1 year)

Procedural

  • Requests SG reporting

02-10-2020

Substantive

  • Condemns migrant smuggling and human trafficking
  • Extends UNSCR 2240 authorization, on the high seas off the coast of Libya, to inspect, seize, and use all commensurate measures regarding vessels used for migrant smuggling or human trafficking from Libya (1 year)

Procedural

  • Requests MS reporting upon inspection, seizure, and other measures used with regards to such vessels
  • Requests SG reporting

16-04-2021

Substantive

  • Condemns attempts to illicitly export petroleum from Libya
  • Calls on all parties to implement the 23 October 2020 ceasefire agreement
Existing sanctions
  • Renews UNSCR 2146, 2441, and 2509 illicit petroleum exports ban and related provisions, including port entry, bunkering services, and financial transactions ban, as well as designation period and MS inspection authorization of such vessels (until 30.07.2022)
Enhanced implementation
  • Calls for full compliance with UNSCR 1970, 2009, 2095, and 2174 arms embargo
  • Calls on the Government of Libya to improve implementation of the arms embargo and enhance travel ban cooperation and information sharing

Procedural

  • Extends Panel of Experts mandate (until 15.08.2022)
  • Requests the Government of Libya to notify the Committee of its petroleum exports focal point
  • Calls for MS reporting

03-06-2021

Substantive

  • Extends UNSCR 2292 authorizations for inspection of vessels on the high seas off the coast of Libya if reasonable grounds for UNSCR 1970, 2009, 2095, and 2174 arms imports and exports embargo violation, as well as related seizure, disposal, and use of all commensurate measures (1 year)

Procedural

  • Requests SG reporting

29-09-2021

Substantive

  • Condemns migrant smuggling and human trafficking
  • Extends UNSCR 2240 authorization, on the high seas off the coast of Libya, to inspect, seize, and use all commensurate measures regarding vessels used for migrant smuggling or human trafficking from Libya (1 year)

Procedural

  • Requests MS reporting upon inspection, seizure, and other measures used with regards to such vessels
  • Requests SG reporting

03-06-2022

Substantive

  • Extends UNSCR 2292 authorizations for inspection of vessels on the high seas off the coast of Libya if reasonable grounds for UNSCR 1970, 2009, 2095, and 2174 arms imports and exports embargo violation, as well as related seizure, disposal, and use of all commensurate measures (1 year)

Procedural

  • Requests SG reporting

13-07-2022

Substantive

  • Condemns attempts to illicitly export petroleum from Libya
  • Calls on all parties to implement the 23 October 2020 ceasefire agreement
Existing sanctions
  • Renews UNSCR 2146, 2441, and 2509 illicit petroleum exports ban and related provisions, including port entry, bunkering services, and financial transactions ban, as well as designation period and MS inspection authorization of such vessels (until 30.10.2023)
Enhanced implementation
  • Demands full compliance with UNSCR 1970, 2009, 2095, and 2174 arms embargo
  • Calls on the Government of Libya to improve implementation of the arms embargo and enhance travel ban cooperation and information sharing

Procedural

  • Extends Panel of Experts mandate (until 15.11.2023)
  • Requests the Government of Libya’s focal point to inform the Committee of any vessels illicitly exporting petroleum from Libya and mechanism to certify legal exports
  • Calls for MS reporting

29-09-2022

Substantive

  • Condemns migrant smuggling and human trafficking
  • Extends UNSCR 2240 authorization, on the high seas off the coast of Libya, to inspect, seize, and use all commensurate measures regarding vessels used for migrant smuggling or human trafficking from Libya (1 year)

Procedural

  • Requests MS reporting upon inspection, seizure, and other measures used with regards to such vessels
  • Requests SG reporting

09-12-2022

Substantive

  • Decides that the provision, processing or payment of funds, other financial assets, or economic resources, or the provision of goods and services necessary to ensure the timely delivery of humanitarian assistance or to support other activities that support basic human needs is permitted and not in violation of asset freeze imposed by the UNSC or its Sanctions Committees
  • The exception applies to the United Nations, including its Programmes, Funds and Other Entities and Bodies, as well as its Specialized Agencies and Related Organizations, international organizations, humanitarian organizations having observer status with the United Nations General Assembly and members of those humanitarian organizations, or bilaterally or multilaterally funded non-governmental organizations participating in the United Nations Humanitarian Response Plans, Refugee Response Plans, other United Nations appeals, or OCHA-coordinated humanitarian “clusters,” or their employees, grantees, subsidiaries, or implementing partners while and to the extent that they are acting in those capacities, or by appropriate others as added by any individual Committees established by the UNSC within and with respect to their respective mandates
  • Requests providers relying on the above exception to use reasonable efforts to minimize the accrual of any benefits prohibited by sanctions, including by strengthening risk management and due diligence strategies and processes
  • Decides that the above exception will apply to all future asset freezes imposed or renewed by the UNSC in the absence of an explicit decision to the contrary

Procedural

  • Clarifies that the above exception supersedes previous resolutions in case of conflict
  • Requests annual briefing by the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator for each relevant Sanctions Committee, including on the provision of funds or resources to designated individuals or entities
  • Directs Sanctions Committees to issue context-specific Implementation Assistance Notices and monitor the implementation of the exception
  • Requests the Secretary-General to issue a written report on the unintended adverse humanitarian consequences of UNSC sanctions measures (within 9 months)

02-06-2023

Substantive

  • Extends UNSCR 2292 authorizations for inspection of vessels on the high seas off the coast of Libya if reasonable grounds for UNSCR 1970, 2009, 2095, and 2174 arms imports and exports embargo violation, as well as related seizure, disposal, and use of all commensurate measures (1 year)

Procedural

  • Requests SG reporting