United Nations Calls for International Cooperation in Libya's Transitional Period

Strategic Insights -

The United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has appealed to major regional organizations to join forces with the UN to provide emergency aid and support to the new Libyan authorities after the ouster of Colonel Muammar al-Qadhafi's regime. The UN has released $1.5 billion in frozen Qadhafi regime assets to the Transitional National Council (TNC), a move welcomed by the Security Council. As Libya transitions from conflict to peace, the international community must come together with a coordinated program of action, with the UN playing a pivotal role in the country's future.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UN has released $1.5 billion in frozen Qadhafi regime assets to the Transitional National Council (TNC) for humanitarian assistance and democratic transition.
  • The UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called for international cooperation to help the new Libyan authorities deliver emergency aid and provide a democratic transition.
  • The Security Council has assured the Secretary-General of their support for the rapid deployment of a UN mission in Libya.
  • The Libyan authorities have emphasized the need for early support for elections, transitional justice, and policing, as well as longer-term assistance in socio-economic recovery, rule of law, and institution-building.
  • The conflict in Libya has resulted in the destruction of property and livelihoods, with widespread shortages of fuel, food, and medical supplies.
  • Approximately three million people are at risk due to the lack of access to basic necessities, including water supply.
  • The UN Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro has stated that the UN sees the African Union as a key partner in helping Libya to rebuild.
  • The UN is working with regional organizations to establish a government that can deliver on its people's hopes and promote national reconciliation and unity.

Statistics:

  • $1.5 billion: amount of frozen Qadhafi regime assets released to the Transitional National Council (TNC)
  • 3 million: estimated number of people at risk due to the lack of access to basic necessities
  • 10,000+: reported deaths in the conflict in Libya
  • 3+: number of cities where fighting continues, including Tripoli, Sirte, and Sabha

Sources:

  • United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Remarks at a video conference with regional leaders (no date)
  • United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro, Address to the African Union Peace and Security Council in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (no date)