Overview
In February 2011, the people of Libya began protesting against the government led by Col. Muammar Gaddafi. But their initially peaceful protests were met with brutal violence, prompting the UN Security Council to authorize military intervention in March to “protect civilians” through the enforcement of a no‐fly zone over Libya. After eight months of intense internal armed conflict, the opposition-led National Transitional Council (NTC) declared the country "liberated" on October 23, 2011, following the death of Gaddafi and the fall of his hometown, Sirte. Shortly thereafter, the NTC appointed an interim prime minister, Libyan-American Abdurrahim el-Keib. Keib will lead the country for the next several months, until elections for a national congress take place.

In the coming months, Libya’s interim and future leaders must work to build consensus around a draft constitution and lay the groundwork for a new country based on respect for human rights. The UN, through its political mission (UNSMIL), will continue to provide assistance and support to the NTC as it works to restore security and order, address the proliferation of arms, promote reconciliation and the rule of law, draft a new constitution, and prepare for elections.


Current Humanitarian Situation
Throughout the conflict, more than 900,000 people – primarily third-country migrant workers – fled Libya to neighboring countries. Most of the migrants who crossed into Tunisia and Egypt have been evacuated to their countries of origin, either directly by their own governments or with the help of the International Organization for Migration and the UN Refugee Agency. Those unable to return home safely (including the approximately 5,500 refugees and asylum seekers from countries like Somalia, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Sudan, and Chad) remain in camps on the Tunisian and Egyptian borders awaiting resettlement in third countries.

Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of people were displaced throughout the country during the conflict. Sub-Saharan Africans, dark-skinned Libyans, and other ethnic groups were widely viewed by opposition forces as Gaddafi sympathizers. Many were displaced from their homes and faced intimidation, arbitrary detention, and abuse by armed brigades and militias. Despite the formal end to the conflict, tensions persist throughout the country. A report issued by the UN Secretary General in late November 2011 confirmed that these vulnerable groups remain displaced and vulnerable to revenge attacks by armed groups. The NTC has acknowledged many of these issues and has pledged to carry out reforms, but it is struggling to establish command and control over all armed groups – including those responsible for reprisals.


Actions Needed:

• The Libyan authorities should work with UNSMIL, IOM, the U.S., and other donors to provide protection for displaced sub-Saharan Africans, including through the adoption of migrant-friendly policies and compliance with human rights obligations.
• The Libyan authorities should work with UNSMIL, the U.S., and other donors to protect displaced dark-skinned Libyans, foster reconciliation, and provide long-term solutions for them. Specifically, the NTC should establish an independent panel – including representatives from minority communities – to identify and recommend effective reconciliation mechanisms for emerging ethnic, tribal, and political conflicts, as well as long-term solutions for those unable to return home.
• The Libyan authorities should request long-term technical and financial assistance from NATO, the U.S., and UNSMIL to develop an effective security sector capable of protecting civilians.
• The U.S. government and its European allies should expedite resettlement processing for the estimated 5,500 refugees on Libya’s borders.