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United Nations

Libya Slams UN Sanctions, Citing Humanitarian Consequences

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Libya has told the United Nations that the trade embargo imposed in April 1992 has had far-reaching and devastating consequences, including economic hardships, food and medical shortages, and loss of life. In a 15-page report to Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali, Libya outlined the harm caused by the sanctions, which were imposed after the country refused to surrender two nationals suspected in the bombing of an Pan Am Flight 103. The report detailed the struggles of hundreds of patients who were unable to receive treatment abroad due to the embargo, leading to the deaths of at least 350 people.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UN trade sanctions against Libya, imposed in April 1992, have resulted in "harmful" consequences, including economic hardships, food and medical shortages.
  • Libya has reported hundreds of deaths, including at least 350 patients who died while being transported to neighboring countries due to the embargo.
  • The report highlighted the shortages of medical equipment, drugs, and equipment deliveries in various sectors, such as farming, forestry, transport, and communications.
  • The sanctions have caused businesses to lose hundreds of millions of dollars.
  • The embargo has made it impossible for some 9,000 patients to be treated abroad, leading to widespread suffering.
  • Libya's refusal to surrender the two Libyan nationals suspected in the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 led to the imposition of the sanctions.

Statistics:

  • At least 350 patients died while being transported to neighboring countries due to the embargo.
  • Hundreds of people have died due to the humanitarian consequences of the sanctions.
  • Libya has reported losses of hundreds of millions of dollars due to the sanctions.
  • 9,000 patients were unable to receive treatment abroad due to the embargo.
  • The sanctions have resulted in severe shortages of medical equipment, drugs, and equipment deliveries in various sectors.

Sources:

  • Libya's 15-page report to Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali (date not specified)
  • United Nations Security Council resolution (April 1992)
  • Arab League proposal to try suspects at the International Court of Justice at The Hague (date not specified)

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