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CIVIC featured in The New York Times: "In Strikes on Libya by NATO, an Unspoken Civilian Toll"
Libya Press Releases
After Libya Operations: Focus on civilians, not political maneuvering, January 6, 2012
Libya: NATO's time drawing to a close, but protection work unfinished, October 27, 2011
NGOs call on UN to record every casualty of conflict in Libya, April 18, 2011
Libya Publications
Joint letter to the United Nations on Libya
Assist Civilians Harmed in Libya (Joint report with Refugees International)
Field Blog: CIVIC From the Field: Libya
Background
In February 2011, following a spate of protests in countries around the region, protests broke out in several areas of Libya challenging Col. Muammar Gaddafi's 42-year rule. In late February, as the government's response to these protests turned increasingly violent, the UN Security Council (UNSC) responded by passing Resolution 1970 to impose sanctions on Qaddafi and refer the situation in Libya to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
On March 17th, the UN Security Council passed Resolution 1973 calling for a no-fly zone to deter the bombardment of civilian targets by government forces. Resolution 1973 marks the first time the Security Council passed a resolution to authorize the use of force with an explicit reference to the responsibility to protect.
An ad hoc coalition composed of the US, France, and the UK began implementing the no-fly zone immediately after the adoption of Resolution 1973. On March 27th, NATO assumed command of the military operation in Libya. NATO followed Resolution 1973 in banning all non-humanitarian flights in Libyan airspace to make sure that civilians and civilian populated areas were not subjected to air attack by Gaddafi forces.
In October 2011, the National Transitional Council (NTC) declared victory after the fall of Gaddafi's hometown of Sirte and the death of Gaddafi himself. Following the rebels' victory, the UN withdrew its mandate and NATO announced that its mission would end October 31st.
Although fighting between Libyan forces and Gaddafi troops has formally ended, tensions remain throughout the country, particularly between militants and loyalist civilians. The Libyan people have many challenges to overcome, with the proliferation of arms, displacement of civilians, and the destruction of much infrastructure in cities including Misrata and Sirte. Human rights abuses were documented by the UN and independent human rights organizations throughout the conflict.
No figures exist on how many civilians were killed or injured during the fighting.
CIVIC's Work
CIVIC consistently called on all parties to the conflict to avoid civilians, including pro-Gaddafi forces, the rebels, militias, and NATO.
CIVIC traveled to Eastern Libya in April 2011 to develop practical ways the Libyan opposition and NATO forces could track casualties, investigate civilian harm, and make amends for civilian losses when appropriate. In September and October 2011, CIVIC interviewed civilians and documented allegations of harm caused by each warring party, respectively.
In the beginning of the conflict and in the absence of any means by which to evaluate the effectiveness of actions taken in accordance with either Resolution 1973 or 1970, CIVIC called for the immediate and comprehensive recording of all civilian casualties, followed-up by full investigations.
Our team continues to lobby NATO to investigate allegations of civilian harm and make amends if appropriate, even after the departure of its forces. The mechanisms employed should be transparent and open to public scrutiny. CIVIC remains concerned for civilian well-being in the emerging new state of Libya, and will work to ensure Libyan security forces have the right protection policies and mindset.
For policy and program inquiries:
Marla Keenan
+1 202 558 0342
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For press inquiries:
Liz Lucas
+1 202 558 6958
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