UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged officials to ensure a "suitable environment" for elections in Libya, calling on the parliament to consult with the High Council of Libya to "urgently finalize the necessary electoral legislation." Moreover, Guterres encouraged the Libyan authorities to "cooperate fully" with the International Criminal Court to activate accountability for crimes under international law. He also expressed "deep concern" over reports of continued human trafficking, calling for "the identification and prosecution of those responsible for the heinous crimes." In a report sent to state members of the UN Security Council, which Asharq Al-Awsat received a copy of, Guterres welcomed the "progress achieved in major elements" of the UN Action Plan. He was optimistic about "great participation" in the process of updating the voter lists, considering it a strong indicator of the Libyans desire to participate in electoral processes. In an effort to "create a suitable environment" for the elections, the UN chief called on the parliament to "expeditiously prepare the necessary electoral legislation", in consultation with the High Council, noting the importance of establishing a constitutional framework to provide the necessary conditions for elections. Guterres also welcomed the launching of the National Congress, saying that these meetings "are an important factor to encourage Libyan citizens to express their ideas and views" and to establish a "unified national governance system." He also welcomed the progress achieved in "civil reconciliation initiatives led by Libyan parties throughout the country" because these efforts play a crucial role in reducing tensions and avoiding further conflict. Guterres asserted the UN’s insistence on its established commitments to provide support through the Peace-building Fund. He positively viewed the direct interaction between parliament and the High Council in order to agree on a mechanism to form a new executive authority in order to "improve the conditions of the Libyan people, prepare for national elections and encourage participation in the elections and accept its results." "It is essential that all displaced people... be able to return to their places of origin in a voluntary and secure manner that preserves their dignity," Guterres confirmed, praising the efforts made by Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) Ghassan Salameh to address the return of citizens of Tawergha. In the report, Guterres said the continued and effective participation of Libyan women in political processes "is an encouraging sign for the advancement of gender equality and womens participation in political life." He expressed his concerns about the lack of security in various areas of Libya, noting that he was worried by the repeated escalation of tensions and violence especially in Sabha. He called on all parties to "respect international law, stop all acts of violence and commit to dialogue to address the root causes of grievances." There are increasing fears about ISIS activities and other terrorist organizations in the South, according to the Guterres, who asserted the urgent need to establish the rule of law in the region to ensure a cessation of hostilities between warring factions and develop more effective ways to control the border. The report also stressed importance of reforming and unifying the Libyan military and security forces under civilian leadership in order to stabilize the country. Guterres voiced his concerns about the deterioration of the humanitarian situation throughout Libya, referring to "ongoing human rights violations and ill-treatment in detention, and prolonged arbitrary detention without due process of law." He stressed that these violations harm attempts to make Libya a stable country. "The authorities must give priority to release all men, women and children arbitrarily detained," he said, while encouraging Libyan authorities to "fully cooperate with the International Criminal Court, in accordance with Security Council Resolution 1970." He expressed "deep concern" over reports of continued human trafficking in Libya, urging the authorities "to spare no effort in identifying the persons responsible for these heinous crimes and prosecuting them." He hoped the newly established joint task force of the African Union, European Union and UN would help address the problem of migration in a comprehensive manner. The report concluded that it is still very important that the international community stand united in supporting a peaceful settlement of the Libyan crisis. "In the coming months, there is an opportunity to be seized in the best interest of the Libyan people," stated Guterres, who called for continuous positive cooperation with the UN to "put an end to the protracted transitional period in the country and work together to create new unified institutions based on the principles of democracy and the rule of law."