Tunis, 17 February 2016 – On the anniversary of the 17 February 2011 revolution which toppled the dictatorship, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) for Libya and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), Martin Kobler, extends his congratulations to the Libyan people and praises their unmatched will and sacrifice to achieve peace and life in freedom. Five years ago, Libyan women and men courageously embarked on the path of change and transformation. They sacrificed their lives in the pursuit of freedom and democracy. However, much more work lies ahead to achieve the revolution’s goals of building a state based on democracy, justice, rule of law, and human rights.

"Let this occasion be the spark of another "revolution of will" against the divisiveness to bring back unity to the country and the people who brought down the authoritarian regime that had ruled Libya for forty years. Tremendous sacrifices have been made in 2011, and tremendous compromises are still needed today," Martin Kobler said.

He added: "Libyan leaders now have a unique opportunity to reunite the country and its institutions in the spirit of sacrifice and reconciliation, to bring peace, stability and prosperity to Libya. It is their responsibility now to end the suffering of their people. I call on them to endorse the Government of National Accord in its entirety and to support its establishment by overcoming particular interests for the greater good of the Libyan people." SRSG Martin Kobler stresses that the United Nations and the international community stand united with the Libyans in their hour of need and continue to offer support to the country and its institutions.