New York — October 7, 2026

General Discussion on the Agenda Item “Measures to Eliminate International Terrorism” – Legal Committee (Sixth Committee) at its 81st Session

Unofficial Translation

Libya Statement

Delivered by Mr. Hatem Y A Eltelb, Counsellor, Permanent Mission of the State of Libya to the United Nations

 

 

Mr. Chair,

At the outset, I would like to extend to you my sincere congratulations on your election as Chair of this Committee, and to the members of the new Bureau, with best wishes for success in carrying out your duties.

The State of Libya affirms its firm commitment to countering terrorism and violent extremism conducive to terrorism, despite the exceptional circumstances it is going through, within a comprehensive approach that combines legislative, intellectual, security, and military dimensions, and is grounded in the rule of law and respect for human rights. This commitment stems from the values of the Libyan people, founded on moderation and the rejection of violence, hatred, and incitement to terrorism, and from my country’s belief in the importance of international cooperation and strengthening the role of criminal justice systems in confronting this phenomenon.

My country renews its categorical condemnation and rejection of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, whatever its source, motives, or justifications, and affirms that it is a global phenomenon that should not be associated with any religion or belief. Libya has gone through difficult and decisive stages in confronting terrorist organizations in several parts of the country, and has made great sacrifices to protect its people and its land. The liberation of the city of Sirte from the terrorist organization Daesh stands as a milestone in this confrontation, where more than 2,500 terrorist fighters belonging to Daesh, one of the most dangerous terrorist organizations, were eliminated, as part of Libya’s contribution to confronting the threat of terrorism that transcends national borders and threatens the security and stability of the region. My country affirms that preserving these gains requires continuous vigilance, pursuing terrorist hotbeds, and preventing their regrouping or the exploitation of Libyan territory and resources to carry out their schemes.

In this context, we affirm that countering terrorism requires an integrated international effort, both political and legal, beginning with preventing the financing, movement, and support of terrorists. We stress the need to address the links between terrorism and transnational organized crime, including human trafficking and arms smuggling, and to dry up sources of illicit financing. We also affirm the need to prosecute perpetrators of terrorist crimes and bring them to justice in accordance with international law. The relevant Security Council resolutions remain a fundamental reference for strengthening international cooperation in preventing and countering terrorism.

From the perspective of legal work, we stress the importance of completing the comprehensive international framework that has been under development for decades, including efforts to adopt a comprehensive convention on international terrorism, aimed at unifying criminal definitions and drying up the sources of support for terrorist organizations. Reaching a global legal consensus would strengthen judicial and security cooperation and limit the loopholes exploited by terrorism. At the same time, we affirm that this work must be coupled with respect for human rights and the rule of law.

Counter-terrorism should be carried out within the framework of respect for States’ obligations under international law, including international human rights law and international humanitarian law, so as to ensure the legitimacy and effectiveness of the measures taken and prevent the fueling of further extremism and division, while respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States.

In this context, we underscore the pivotal role of the Sixth Committee, as a legal body, in intensifying negotiating and technical efforts to develop clear and effective legal texts, with follow-up mechanisms that take into account the legal diversity of States and are based on transparency and justice.

Mr. Chair,

Speaking of terrorism leads us to affirm the need to protect civilians and to reject targeting, starving, or terrorizing them, whoever the perpetrator may be, whether individuals, groups, or States. My country renews its condemnation of the crimes and violations committed by the Israeli occupation forces against the Palestinian people, and affirms that protecting civilians and respecting international humanitarian law are obligations that may not be diminished, nor may their violation be justified under any pretext.

In this context, my country stresses the need to ensure unimpeded access of humanitarian assistance to the civilian population in Gaza, and rejects the use of starvation as a method of warfare. It also calls for accountability for violations in accordance with international law, and affirms that counter-terrorism must not be used as a pretext for aggression against peoples or depriving them of their legitimate rights.

Mr. Chair,

In conclusion, my country affirms that the humanitarian suffering, violations, and rising tensions witnessed in Palestine, Syria, and the Middle East region call for responsible international action to protect civilians, put an end to aggression, and ensure respect for international law and the Charter of the United Nations. Counter-terrorism must not be used as a pretext for targeting or displacing civilians or undermining the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States. Ending impunity and achieving justice for victims are two fundamental pillars for establishing lasting peace.

In this context, Libya renews its solidarity with the Palestinian people, its rejection of forced displacement, and its commitment to safeguarding their inalienable right to self-determination and to the establishment of their independent state with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. It also affirms its support for the sovereignty, unity, independence, and territorial integrity of Syria, and its rejection of attacks against it, and supports the aspirations of the Syrian people for security and stability, and their right to build a future of peace and justice, free from terrorism and foreign interference.

My country calls for prioritizing dialogue and political solutions in addressing the crises of the Middle East, halting escalation, and respecting the sovereignty of the States of the region, so as to prevent the widening of the cycle of violence and suffering. Libya affirms its determination to continue contributing to international efforts to counter terrorism, based on its conviction that the security and stability of the region are linked to protecting the rights of its peoples and achieving a just and comprehensive peace.

Thank you, Mr. Chair.