Libya Relief Effort

• August 25th, 2011
• Posted by EUEditor

Shortages of food stocks, fuel and other supplies in Tripoli have provided new impetus to international efforts to avert a humanitarian crisis in war-torn Libya.

MAJOR RELIEF

As rebel forces search for the former head of government, Muamar al-Gaddafi, and move against remaining strong-points held by his supporters; European leaders have been gearing up for a major relief effort.

Potential donors have been getting together the $US2.5-billion (A$2.38million; xe.com, 25.8.11) sought by the interim government to maintain itself and supply relief, see EUAustralia Online, “Libya denouement”, 25.8.11).

FREEDOM AND SELF-DETERMINATION

This week the European Commission President, José Manuel Barroso, and the President of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy, issued a joint statement (22.8.11), declaring that “the way is now open for Libya for freedom and self-determination.”

“The relentless efforts of the forces of the new Libya, supported militarily by NATO and several EU Member States, and countries from the region are bringing the Gaddafi regime to its end”, they said.

“We urge Colonel Gaddafi to accept the will of the people, step down immediately, and avoid further bloodshed and suffering.

“The European Union will keep supporting the country in its democratic transition and economic reconstruction, based on social justice, inclusiveness and territorial integrity, together with the international community.”

EU “GEARING UP” TO HELP

The executive European Commission has also issued a statement that is “geared up” for the humanitarian effort in Libya.

It said (24.8.11):

Following the dramatic events in Libya … the European Commission confirms it is fully prepared to respond to humanitarian needs stemming from the fighting and its aftermath.

Kristalina Georgieva, the European Commissioner for International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response, said: “The Commission has been planning for this event for months now. We have prepositioned humanitarian stocks in the accessible zones of Libya and have coordinated all efforts with our humanitarian partners. We are ready. Europe will continue to help in an efficient and non-discriminatory way all Libyans who need humanitarian assistance.”

The European Commission Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection department (ECHO) will initially focus on support to the healthcare sector, notably the provision of war surgery and assistance to hospitals which are dealing with a probable large number of war-wounded and with the immediate emergency needs of the general population. Another priority will be protection, including education on determining and identification of risk areas allowing for the safe return of civilians. The Commission will also continue to fund the provision of relief to all vulnerable Libyans and to the refugees who have been trapped in the country by the violence of the last months.

Out of the €80 million (A$110-million) which the European Commission has allocated to respond to the Libyan conflict, funding of €10 million (A$13.75-million) was reserved to provide assistance once Tripoli and the coastal cities opened up for delivery of relief. Humanitarian stocks, particularly medical supplies, have been prepositioned by humanitarian partners in the East of the country and areas held by the opposition. This advance planning ensures that the Commission is now in a position to deliver aid swiftly and efficiently.

Throughout the crisis, the Commission has constantly coordinated its work through its experts on the ground and through its humanitarian partners which include the International Committee of the Red Cross, UN agencies and NGOs. This coordination can now ensure the rapid and effective scaling up and delivery of aid to all parts of Libya.

The European Union … is the largest donor in this emergency, with over €150 million worth of humanitarian aid, (A$206-million).

BACKGROUND:

The European Commission’s humanitarian response to the Libyan crisis:

Funding of €70 million (€ 60 million for humanitarian aid for the Libya crisis and € 10 million for the reintegration of Chadian migrants returning to Chad), (A$96-m, 82.5-m, 13.75-million).   This humanitarian funding has delivered:

•    Evacuation of 24,000 third country nationals (TCNs), including from Misrata, via the International Organisation for Migration, plus delivery of humanitarian assistance.

•    Provision of assistance to the people fleeing Libya (to Tunisia, Egypt) through humanitarian partners including the International Organisation for Migration, the UN High Commission for Refugees, International Federation of the Red Cross and the UN Organisation for the Coordination of Humanitarian Aid

•    Support for the repatriation of TCNs to their country of origin

•    Assistance to people with refugee status who cannot go back to their home country and to Libyans fleeing Libya

•    Financing and prepositioning of emergency stocks to provide relief aid in Libya.

European Union’s Civil Protection Response:

Activation of the European Civil Protection Mechanism through the EU Monitoring and Information Centre (MIC).

Two distinct operations were carried out through the Civil Protection Mechanism in relation to the Libyan crisis.

In the first days of the crisis, the MIC supported Member States’ consular and evacuation operations in Libya, at the request of the Presidency and in agreement with the High Representative and Vice-President of the Commission … Around 5,800 Europeans were evacuated from Libya in a joint EU effort on an unprecedented scale: the Commission (MIC/ECHO), the EEAS (SitCen/EU Military Staff) and the Hungarian Presidency of the EU.

During March-May 2011 the EU Monitoring and Information Centre facilitated and coordinated the work of Member States to repatriate more than 31,700 TCNs from the countries neighbouring Libya (i.e. Tunisia, Egypt).

Of the 31 countries in the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, 11 provided aeroplanes and ships for the repatriation of TCNs from Tunisia. In-kind assistance was offered by nine Participating States.

The amount of co-financing requested by the Participating States for transport operations was €10,574 084, (A$15.546-million).

Reference

European Commission, Brussels, “Libya: EU geared up for the humanitarian challenge”, 24.8.11. IP/11/983

EC, “Joint statement by European Commission President José Manuel Barroso and European Council President Herman Van Rompuy on Libya”, 22.8.11. MEMO/11/563

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