United Nations in Libya

The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Libya:

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Publication

30 June 2024

UN Libya Results Report 2023

In 2023, the UN in Libya worked to support those affected by the catastrophic floods in eastern Libya and promoted sustainable development through its programming across the country and all outcomes of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for Libya (2023-2025), namely: Peace and GovernanceSustainable Economic DevelopmentSocial and Human Capital DevelopmentClimate Change, Environment and WaterDurable Solutions for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)Migration Management Looking ahead to 2024, as the Cooperation Framework enters its second year of its implementation, the UN in Libya will strengthen its concerted and coordinated efforts to accelerate sustainable peacebuilding and development agendas and programmes in Libya, working with Libyan and international partners.

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Publication

08 August 2024

IOM Libya Annual Report 2023

Looking at 2023, the landscape of migration and displacement in Libya remains complex and dynamic. The considerable challenges faced by migrants, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and host -communities are influenced by conflict, economic instability, and humanitarian crises. Amidst these adversities, IOM Libya persevered in its mission to assist and protect those most vulnerable maintaining a steady presence across the country, delivering critical support to those in need. The team of over 650 dedicated staff members operating through 32 active projects, effectively responded to a range of challenges. IOM Libya reached over 51,000 migrants with needed relief items and medical consultations, provided more than 163,000 primary health care consultations, and assisted 9,369 migrants in voluntarily returning to their home countries. Community stabilization initiatives and capacity building strengthened resilience and promoted social cohesion among displaced populations and local communities. A pivotal roundtable on Labour Migration Governance was organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour, bringing together 50 participants, including diplomatic representatives from various countries and relevant Libyan line ministries. In the Immigration and Border Governance (IBG) programming, Libyan border management and search and rescue operations progressed, thereby enhancing the capacity of national entities with the aim of contributing to safer and more orderly migration.In addition, an unprecedented disaster caused by Storm Daniel prompted a swift response by IOM teams thus demonstrating prompt capacity to adapt and provide timely relief in the face of sudden crises. Efforts in promoting mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) further underscored a holistic approach to humanitarian aid. Protection initiatives ensured that migrants and IDPs received essential services through outreach, community-based solutions, and capacity building.This year IOM is continuing to work with our partners in and outside government to support the transition towards improved migration management and development in Libya. Thanks to our partners and donors for the constant support.

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Publication

27 May 2024

UNDP Libya 2023 Annual Report

2023 was a year marked by resilience and rigorous efforts amidst significant challenges. Unprecedented floods in the northeastern region tested the resilience and unity of the communities we serve. Despite these adversities, the spirit of solidarity and the joint response to these crises highlighted the strength and compassion of the Libyan people.This year, our journey has been shaped by the priorities set forth in the UNDP's three-year Country Programme Document (2023-2025), which focuses on local peacebuilding, strengthening democratic governance, and advancing our energy and environmental initiatives.Some highlights of our 2023 Annual Report include:Enhanced access and quality of basic services for over 832,859 people across 21 municipalities.Created 704 new jobs, fostering economic opportunities.Established the SURGE and crisis response teams to support rapid assessments and long-term recovery planning.Facilitated the distribution of voter rolls to 2,000 polling centers nationwide, supporting a more transparent and accessible electoral process.Supported legal empowerment for women by training 98 female lawyers across eight municipalities to promote participation in the justice sector.Supported Libya's transition to renewable energy sources and improved energy efficiency as critical components of the National Sustainable Energy Strategy.As we reflect on the past year and look forward to the rest of 2024, our commitment to supporting Libya's path to sustainable development, peace, and prosperity remains steadfast. We thank all our partners for their continued support and collaboration.

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Story

09 September 2024

Rising Above the Storm: Stories of Loss, Resilience, and Rebuilding in Derna

Over the RubbleHe sat on the crumpled remains of a car, twisted and bent by the merciless floodwaters that had ravaged his village. The metal beneath him groaned under the weight of his grief, as if it, too, mourned the lives lost.He pointed to the ruin opposite him. “This entire family is gone,” he said, his voice heavy with the weight of unspeakable loss.“Have you lost anyone?” we asked.His eyes filled with tears, and he nodded, his hand trembling as he pointed to one side of the ruin. “I lost six family members here.” His voice broke, and he gestured in another direction, “Five more over there,” he paused, his breath catching in his throat before he finally added, his voice barely a whisper, “and my mother.”He clenched his fists, struggling to maintain his composure, the pain of his loss evident in every line of his face. He paused to hold back the sobs.Finally, he spoke again, his voice filled with quiet resolve, “Everything can be replaced but my mother.”As we witness the aftermath of Storm-Daniel, not only homes and buildings has been destroyed but lives, and entire families have been swept away Healing Together"It was an extremely difficult night, and the rain was heavy. The rain didn’t stop that night, and we had never seen such rain in Derna before. We lost contact with my father, and then the news started coming to us one by one. that those who didn’t leave the area where our house was located are missing, and bodies are everywhere." Nouria painfully recallsNouria and her best friend Basent, both 10 years old, stand side by side in the streets of Derna, Libya, where their lives were forever changed by the devastating floods caused by Storm Daniel on September 10, 2023. Nouria lost her father that night, a tragedy that has left a deep scar on her young heart. Basent, though not directly impacted by the loss of a family member, grieves alongside her friend, reflecting on the man who always greeted them with a smile and encouraged their studies.Crises and natural disasters are among the most important factors that play a pivotal role in a child's mental health. A child's feelings of fear and anxiety can lead to psychological trauma if not addressed in a scientific and educational manner.This photo captures the children resilience and the deep friendship that helps them navigate the aftermath of the disaster. With the support of a UNICEF-led psychological support team, children like Nouria and Basent are slowly finding ways to heal, learning to adapt to the changes in their lives, and even setting new goals for the future. The importance of such support cannot be overstated, as it provides them with the tools they need to cope with trauma and begin rebuilding their lives. Journey of Loss, Hope, and Rebuilding“Every day we wake up to the trauma of what happened, as if it's on replay. We remember the old Derna. We want to coexist with the pain and memories of those we lost while rebuilding our city,” says Yasmin, a young entrepreneur and civil society activist from Derna. Although she survived the tragic floods with her immediate family, thanks to their home being on higher ground, she lost over 30 members of her extended family.Yasmin vividly recalls the events of that tragic day. “At dawn, I asked my father if I could go with him to see the effects of the floods in the city with my own eyes. I saw people near the port, frantically lifting rubble and, at first, not realizing that they were searching for their loved ones.”Despite the immense trauma, Yasmin has remained resilient. As a Scouts leader, she naturally took to using her online platforms to amplify SOS calls and network for aid. Her leadership and determination shone through, even during such dark times. Just 40 days after the tragedy, Yasmin made the bold decision to reopen ‘Flamingo,’ the photography studio she co-manages with her sister. Typically, a place to capture joyous moments—weddings and graduations—the studio now serves a dual purpose: supporting local business owners by promoting their ventures and helping those who lost official documents.Today, Yasmin continues to operate the studio, driven by her commitment to giving people hope after the devastation. "This is not the first time Derna has faced adversity. We’ve seen it rise from the ashes before, overcoming numerous challenges. It will take concentrated efforts to restore Derna to what it once was, but I believe it can—and will," she concludes. Rising from the Flood“The tragedy struck us at 3 a.m. The amount of water was terrible, leading to the complete destruction of the bakery “ Mustafa Al-Jibani, owner of Al-Jibani bakery.The floods did not only destroyed homes and essential services. The aftermath was grim: mud-covered ovens and damaged homes left communities struggling to recover. Among the hardest-hit were local bakeries, a crucial source of sustenance for many families. In response, the UN through WFP mobilized to help rebuild these bakeries, providing equipment such as ovens, mixers, and generators.Thanks to the intervention, 32 bakeries in Derna received modern equipment, allowing them to reopen and improve their production capacity. Ahmed Al-Misrati, owner of Al-Aneeq bakery, expressed his relief: “We were informed that a full bakery would be provided. They fulfilled their promise and asked us to complete the procedures. We even called back the workers who survived the flood to return to work.”The impact extended beyond just reopening businesses. Bait Al-Jouda bakery, one of the few in its neighborhood, also received critical support. “After the flood, we were severely impacted; my mother and father passed away, which really affected us. I wanted to open the bakery again, but I couldn’t due to the damages. There were no neighbors around, no electricity, and no water. When we heard about this rehabilitation project, we applied, and thank God we were chosen,” said the owner. “We received modern equipment such as rack ovens, mixers, and generators. Now, we are producing different types of bread and pastries and moving forward every day.”Through this initiative, the UN’s efforts have enabled bakeries like these to not only recover but also thrive, ensuring the continuity of vital food services and rebuilding livelihoods in the aftermath of disaster. Starting over for the Second TimeThey had fled a war, only to be caught in a deadly storm.Standing on a patch of dry ground in front of their new home, Asma and Abdelraham clutched their two young boys in their arms—one barely walking. Abdelraham’s voice trembled as he spoke about the day the floods came.“We had just begun to feel safe,” he said, his words heavy with the weight of their losses. "In Sudan, we lived stable lives until the war came. We had no choice but to flee." His voice faltered as he described their escape to Derna. A peaceful city by the sea, it had offered them the promise of safety. "It was beautiful here," he continued. "We had started to build a life."Then came the night of the storm.Heavy rains battered their home near the shoreline, relentless and unforgiving. "The water started rising," Abdelraham recalled, his eyes clouding with the memory. "We didn't understand how bad it would get."Asma’s voice broke as she remembered that terrifying night. "The Red Crescent came in the middle of the night, yelling for us to leave. We were fortunate that we escaped. So many others... they didn’t." She paused, her hands shaking as she recounted the bodies in the streets and buildings collapsing like cards. "I keep thinking about when I was in the middle of it all and how I managed to get out.""The people of Libya stood with us," Abdelrahman continued. "We received temporary shelter and aid, but the pain of what we saw—that remains."The storm had swept away their home, their belongings, and their sense of security. But as the days passed, they held onto each other, determined to rebuild yet again. One year after the devastating Storm Daniel disaster, the remarkable resilience of the affected communities shines through, as significant progress has been made in recovery efforts. However, much remains to be done, and continued support is essential to fully rebuild lives and livelihoods. The UN in Libya remains committed to standing by these communities, just as it has since day one, helping them navigate their journey of mourning, healing, and rebuilding their lives and neighborhoods.

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Story

04 September 2024

For life and livelihood, Water is the Essential Lifeline for Farmers in Kufra

Libya is one of many countries threatened by desertification. The country's limited water resources and over-extraction of groundwater for agricultural and other uses exacerbate this issue. In the far southeastern region of Libya, the second largest oasis in Africa, lies Kufra, known for its unique climate, a blend of tropical and Mediterranean influences, and its rich mango production.Mango produced in Kufra (Abdeladeem Ajaj / UNDP Libya)Farmers in Kufra, like Ahmed Alamin, struggle to maintain their produce with the limited water resources available. "Without water, there would be no produce, no vegetables, no fruits," he says. "Both tropical and Mediterranean plants thrive here but require proper care. The absence of water would mean the loss of these plants and vegetables from Libya in general, and Kufra in particular."The water supply system in Kufra relies on pumping water from wells to various water networks. However, the limited number of wells has led to water shortages, especially during the scorching summer months. In response, the United Nations Development Programme's (UNDP) Recovery, Stability, and Socio-economic Development project, in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government and with generous funding from the EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa, has supported the Municipality of Kufra in improving its water supply system. This initiative included the addition of two water boreholes, enhancing the water supply for 6,600 residents.Mr. Yousef Al-Mari, a representative of the Local Council in Kufra, shares: "The residents of the Shura neighbourhood faced a daily struggle to secure drinking water, often having to journey to nearby areas like Suwaydiya. This hardship has been alleviated thanks to the new borehole constructed by UNDP, which provides much-needed relief to the communities in Shura and similarly in the Al-Mukhtar neighbourhood," he says.Libya is grappling with a severe water crisis, ranking among the world's most water-stressed nations. The country's overreliance on groundwater for nearly 97% of its water supply intensifies this problem. This acute water scarcity casts a long shadow over agriculture, food security, and the overall well-being of its population.Water is the lifeblood of any society, and its scarcity in Libya poses a formidable threat to livelihoods, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.“If water becomes scarce, people, including myself, will be forced to migrate to coastal and rainy areas. Water is the lifeblood of this region, especially for Kufra."Ahmed Alamin concludes.

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13 August 2024

FOSTERING CIVIC SPACE IS KEY TO ANY POLITICAL PROCESS AND A CATALYST FOR CHANGE, SAY LIBYAN YOUTH ON INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY

TRIPOLI – 13 August – Over 20 Libyan young men and women gathered in the UN compound in Tripoli to share their ideas in a workshop on fostering civic space to mark International Youth Day. The workshop, held yesterday, focused on the identifying the most effective ways youth could use civic space to influence policy changes, leverage mechanisms to ensure fair and transparent electoral processes and how youth-led initiatives to promote civic space could be better supported. “A vibrant civic space is essential for a healthy democracy,” said Suki Nagra, Director of Human Rights, Rule of Law and Transitional Justice in UNSMIL who joined the workshop. “It allows citizens, civil society organisations and other groups to freely express themselves, participate in decision-making processes, and hold their governments to account.” Through discussions in breakout groups, the young men and women in the workshop made the following recommendations: Civic space needs to be expanded and protected: restrictions on civic space need to be reduced; creating a secure environment for civil society to engage with communities should be seen as working alongside the state, not detracting from it. More needs to be done to raise awareness of what civil society is, so that misconceptions and misinformation do not take root in wider communities. Social media represents an opportunity for civil society to influence decision-makers and to rebut misinformation. Civic space must include all segments of society including women, cultural components, community leaders and those with disabilities, and they should be reached through targeted campaigns on social media, and appropriate communication channels . Youth resilience needs to be built to ensure they can engage consistently in the discussion and continue to advocate throughout the lobbying process. More needs to be done to bring civil society together to collaborate and work on shared goals and commitments and encourage members of the public to join them; civil society organisations should be encouraged to with partner national and international organisations to share experiences and knowledge. More needs to be done to educate communities on peaceful dialogue and how to engage in healthy debates, as well as how to fact check information. Language used needs to be carefully considered. Youth need to be educated more about their rights and how they can engage in the electoral process as candidates and voters and in their role in promoting voter participation at the municipal level. Establish focal points across Libya to build a network of youth and civil society organisations who work with local communities to provide workshops and skills training on key topics. “Civil society is the engine behind any political process and youth can be the catalyst for change,” said one workshop participant. “Civil society groups should work together more and collaborate on the issues where they complement each other so that they have more influence,” said another. The workshop was part of UNSMIL’s new youth strategy – YouEngage, which aims to engage with 1,000 young men and women by May 2025 through workshops, trainings and advocacy sessions. Many more sessions are organized and are communicated using UNSMIL’s youth groups on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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07 August 2024

MORE KNOWLEDGE AMONG COMMUNITIES AND INCREASED STABILITY IN LIBYA ARE NEEDED TO ADDRESS IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE, SAY YOUTH

TRIPOLI – 6 August – Youth activists from across Libya joined Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General and Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Georgette Gagnon yesterday in a workshop to develop recommendations aimed at addressing the impacts of climate change in Libya and encourage youth participation on climate action.The three-hour workshop co-led by UNSMIL and UNDP, facilitated a discussion among young men and women to identify concrete ways youth could further engage on protecting the environment and reducing the impact of climate change in Libya, particularly as the country approaches the one-year anniversary of the disaster in Derna and affected areas.“What happened in Derna was a shock, but since then communities have begun to follow climate change issues and understand more what can be, and needs to be done,” said a participant adding that significant issues include instability in the country and limited knowledge among Libyan communities on climate change. Participants stressed that more needed to be done to raise awareness about the importance of climate change and how they can make changes to improve the environment in Libya.Young men and women who participated in the workshop made the following recommendations: Raise awareness among Libyan communities about actions they can take to mitigate the harmful impacts of climate change in Libya.Develop social media campaigns to enhance environmental awareness and build the knowledge of youth across Libya.Work with communities to develop impactful environmental plans, focusing on initiatives such as improving water and air quality and reducing pollution levels among other actions.Establish a large greening initiative to plant trees, build parks and protect green spaces, reducing construction in these areas.Libyan government should work with youth and civil society to develop a climate change strategy and adopt relevant global policies.As part of access to oil fields in Libya, foreign companies working in Libya should include tree-planting and greening initiatives in their contracts.Better use of technology to improve early warning systems to reduce the impact of disasters like floods and improve transparent data collection to monitor air and water quality.Establish desalination initiatives to reduce water scarcity across the country.Train a cadre of urban planners for Libyan towns and cities to ensure that construction is done in ways that protect the environment.Build a network of young people working on environmental issues, as well as dedicated platforms, to foster collaboration, maximize impact and help connect youth to global movements.“Most young people are not connected to each other, so building a network of environmental activists to advocate on climate change would help diversify the voices involved and build the capability of a wider group of youth,” said another participant.The workshop was the second in a series of online and in-person engagements convened by UNSMIL under its new YouEngage youth strategy which aims to hear from 1,000 young Libyans over the next year on critical issues.

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22 July 2024

DSRSG-RC/HC AND UN IN LIBYA DELEGATION VISIT KUFRA TO SEE SITUATION OF SUDANESE REFUGEES, HOST COMMUNITIES AND HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE

TRIPOLI - 21 July – Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General and Resident Humanitarian Coordinator, Georgette Gagnon, led a mission to Kufra on 18 July with the heads of five UN agencies to see the situation of Sudanese refugees and host communities, and guide the UN’s scaled up humanitarian response and action.Since war broke out in Sudan in April 2023, over 1.8 million refugees, according to UNHCR, have been forced to flee to neighboring countries including to Libya, particularly to Kufra in southeastern Libya which hosts thousands of refugees from Sudan.“Local authorities and host communities in Kufra and other cities in Libya have been actively assisting Sudanese refugees since the conflict,” said Gagnon. “More support, access and coordination are urgently needed to meet the increasing humanitarian and protection needs.” She added that local services are overstretched, with many refugee families in need of adequate shelter and medical facilities unable to meet healthcare and nutrition needs including of children arriving in Libya with malnutrition. More support to local infrastructure is also needed to ensure continued basic services for communities hosting refugees.In Kufra, the UN team met with doctors and patients at a medical facility supporting refugees with assistance from UN agencies including medical equipment, medicines, generators and health care professionals. Mobile health clinics are providing primary healthcare services, vaccinating nearly 20,000 children and supporting over 14,000 refugees with basic healthcare. Other humanitarian assistance includes hygiene kits, core relief items, water tanks and protection services for women and children. Sudanese refugees expressed their appreciation for the support provided by local authorities and stressed the urgent critical need for increased assistance.In support of official and community efforts, the UN in Libya launched the Response Plan for Sudanese Refugees in Libya (RPSL) for 2024 to provide support and ensure responsibility sharing with the State of Libya, local authorities and the Libyan population in managing ongoing challenges with USD 48.6 million requested from donors. UNHCR, the refugee agency, is coordinating the refugee response and upscaling and deploying emergency teams to coordinate the response among all partners. Funds are needed to strengthen official efforts to deliver critical assistance for health, nutrition, protection, shelter, water and sanitation, education, and registration and identification services that permit refugees to safely and voluntarily move from Kufra to other areas.“In coordination and cooperation with local authorities, refugees and humanitarian partners, the UN in Libya is committed to providing more support to Sudanese refugees and host communities,” said Gagnon.

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Press Release

12 August 2024

United Nations: Member States finalize a new cybercrime convention

After three years of work, the committee established by the UN General Assembly to negotiate a new convention on cybercrime agreed today on a draft convention text.The draft convention is expected to be adopted by the General Assembly later this year, thus becoming the first global legally binding instrument on cybercrime.This achievement represents the culmination of a five-year effort by UN Member States, with the input of civil society, academic institutions and the private sector. UNODC served as the substantive secretariat for the negotiations.“The finalization of this Convention is a landmark step as the first multilateral anti-crime treaty in over 20 years and the first UN Convention against Cybercrime at a time when threats in cyberspace are growing rapidly,” said UNODC Executive Director Ghada Waly. “I congratulate Member States and the Ad Hoc Committee, under the leadership of Ambassador Faouzia Boumaiza-Mebarki as Chair and a strong representative of women diplomats, for guiding negotiations and reaching consensus on the final text. UNODC is immensely proud to have supported the negotiation process and to serve as the Secretariat of the Convention. We will continue to play a central role in assisting in the implementation and ratification of the Convention, once adopted by the General Assembly, as well as providing technical assistance to Member States, as we work with all countries and partners to safeguard digital spaces.”As noted in the draft convention, technology has created opportunities for a greater scale, speed, and scope of crimes, from terrorism to drug trafficking to trafficking in persons, migrant smuggling, firearms trafficking, and more.The draft convention provides tools that will enhance international cooperation, law enforcement efforts, technical assistance, and capacity-building relating to cybercrime.To read the draft convention, click here * *** *For further information, please contact: Reka Furtos
UNODC Advocacy Section
Email: unodc-press@un.org

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Press Release

12 March 2024

STATEMENT BY SRSG BATHILY AND DSRSG RC/HC GAGNON ON THE SIX-MONTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEVASTATING FLOODS IN DERNA AND AFFECTED AREAS

Tripoli - 11 March – Six months after Storm Daniel and devastating floods struck the city of Derna and the surrounding areas in eastern Libya, our thoughts and condolences remain with the people and communities affected by this disaster.We have witnessed the outstanding efforts of local people to rebuild and enhance their communities and commend their remarkable resilience and strength.On this anniversary, we call on Libyan authorities and actors to collectively take forward reconstruction that focuses on the needs and best interests of the people whose lives were so severely affected by the floods.We underscore the need for a coordinated national platform for reconstruction, for the release of funds for long-term reconstruction efforts, and for their transparent management and distribution with effective oversight and accountability to the Libyan people. The UN reaffirms its commitment to supporting a coordinated national platform for inclusive and resilient recovery that prioritizes the livelihoods and efforts of affected people.Since the floods, the United Nations in Libya has been working in Derna and the affected municipalities in coordination with local and national authorities, humanitarian agencies and international partners, to provide assistance and support to the affected people.To date, the UN in Libya and its humanitarian partners have reached 247,000 people, with emergency humanitarian assistance, including shelter, clean water, food, educational support, medical and psycho-social support.The United Nations in Libya remains committed to supporting the people of Derna and the surrounding areas with their recovery as the humanitarian response concludes. We will continue to work closely with local and international partners to assist in rebuilding lives and communities, promoting sustainable development, and advocating for the rights and well-being of all affected people.

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Press Release

04 March 2024

Netherlands, UNDP and UNSMIL join forces to support families of missing persons in Libya

With thousands of families still searching for their loved ones, the need for coordination and a comprehensive approach to address the issue of missing persons in Libya is crucial. Many victims are in need of support to effectively partake in national reconciliation and peacebuilding efforts. This project addresses these challenges by providing technical assistance and capacity-building to Libyan authorities and civil society organizations. It aims to strengthen the legal and institutional framework for addressing the issue of missing persons, enhance the capacities of forensic and investigative authorities, and support the establishment of a comprehensive and victim-centred approach to address the needs of families of the missing. Joost Klarenbeek, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Libya, said “the disappearance of a loved one is a horrific experience, and without knowing the truth about what happened to them, it is very difficult for family members to move forward. With our support to this project, we hope to contribute to truth and justice, for the benefit of the families and for the benefit of Libya’s transition.” “Addressing the issue of missing persons in Libya is crucial for national reconciliation,” said Christopher Laker, UNDP Resident Representative. “This partnership with the Netherlands represents a significant step forward in our efforts to support victims and their families and to build a more peaceful, just, and inclusive Libya.” "The issue of missing persons in Libya is longstanding; families of those missing have the right to know the fate and whereabouts of their loved ones and to accountability,” stressed UNSMIL's director of human rights and rule of law, Suki Nagra. “The United Nations aims to strengthen national capacities to advance human rights and support transitional justice through this project," she added. The Netherlands, UNDP and UNSMIL partnership underscores their joint commitment to human rights in Libya. This initiative aims to lay the groundwork for lasting peace and reconciliation, ensuring a future where justice and human dignity are at the forefront of Libya’s development. *** For related photos, please visit: LinkFor more information, or media interviews please contact: media.ly@undp.org

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Press Release

25 January 2024

JOINT WORLD BANK, EU, UN REPORT ASSESSES DAMAGES CAUSED BY CATASTROPHIC FLOODING IN LIBYA

The Libya Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA) analyses damages and losses – as well as recovery and reconstruction needs – using a globally established methodology across almost all sectors of the Libyan economy. It finds the greatest impact has been on housing, the environment, Libya’s cultural heritage, as well as the transportation and water sectors. Housing was severely hit, with an estimated more than 18,500 houses destroyed or damaged, equivalent to seven per cent of the country’s housing stock, damaged or destroyed. The report estimates 70 per cent of the needed reconstruction costs would be for infrastructure, with housing as the largest component. In addition to outlining the recovery and reconstruction needs, the RDNA analyses the cost of physical damages caused by the flooding and the economic losses in its aftermath. Damages and losses are estimated at $1.03 and $.62 billion, respectively. The $1.65 billion total of damages and losses account for 3.6 per cent of Libya’s GDP in 2022. The report looks at the impact of the disaster on the well-being of people in Libya. Nearly 44,800 people were initially displaced including 16,000 children. Access to healthcare and education has deteriorated, and food insecurity has increased in the affected areas. The most vulnerable people – including women, children, persons with disabilities, migrants, and elderly people – were particularly affected. “Storm Daniel and the catastrophic floods that followed had a devastating, tragic impact on so many people in Libya who lost family members, their homes, and livelihoods. We hope this damage and needs assessment will inform recovery and reconstruction efforts that are inclusive, coordinated and help to build a more resilient future for people in Libya,” said Jesko Hentschel, Country Director for the Maghreb and Malta at the World Bank. The assessment covers 20 municipalities, with an in-depth analysis of the five most affected cities (Derna, Soussa, Al-Bahda, Al-Marj, and Shahhat) where 85 per cent of the damages and losses occurred. It emphasizes the urgent need to focus recovery efforts in these areas. Based on international experience, the RDNA suggests elements for national planning to overcome the impacts of this large-scale disaster. It underscores the importance of close collaboration and coordination among stakeholders across the country, as well as the support of international partners, to drive forward a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable recovery for people in Libya. "Time is of the essence for affected people in eastern Libya. The proposed roadmap in this report offers a clear path forward that can support timely action, including through establishing a coordinated national platform for reconstruction. Let's channel our collective resources and expertise towards rebuilding, prioritizing the people - their livelihoods and well-being," said Georgette Gagnon, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the UN, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Libya. "After the tragedy that struck Derna and the surrounding areas, the world witnessed Libyans from across the country coming together to provide emergency assistance to their fellow citizens in the face of unthinkable suffering. The international community also mobilized, inspired by this demonstration and compassion. The European Union and its Member States were on the front line from the very first hours. This RDNA provides a technical response tool that will permit an efficient and effective response to the affected area and population. We hope it can offer the basis for a much-needed national platform for reconstruction, echoing the Libyan people's example of unity," Nicola Orlando, Ambassador of the European Union to Libya. About the Libya Rapid Damage & Needs Assessment The Libya Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment report follows a globally established and recognized damage, loss, and needs assessment methodology developed by the World Bank with contributions from the UN, and the EU. This methodology has been applied globally in multiple post-disaster contexts to inform recovery and reconstruction planning. RDNA reports draw on the use of remote data collection such as satellite imagery, publicly available sources, information analytics, and partner organization’s data. Contacts For the World Bank: Susan E. Pleming
Senior External Affairs Officer spleming@worldbank.org(link sends e-mail) For the United Nations Support Mission in Libya: Mohammed ALASAADI
Public Information & Communications alasaadi@un.org(link sends e-mail) For the European Union: DELEGATION-LIBYA-COMMUNICATION@eeas.europa.eu

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Press Release

28 November 2023

UNSMIL STATEMENT ON THE 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM TO COMBAT VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS

UNSMIL calls on all Libyan authorities to foster an environment that respects and protects women and girls in Libya in line with their international obligations. “As we embark on the United Nations Secretary General’s campaign to end violence against women by 2030, I call upon Libyan institutions and political actors to invest in preventing all forms of violence against women,” said Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya, Mr. Abdoulaye Bathily. Nearly all female councillors interviewed as part of recent UN Women research had experienced at least one form of political violence during and after their election. These threats came from armed groups, male councillors and community members and included threats of abduction, enforced disappearance, cyber harassment, verbal and psychological violence. “We still live in a male-dominated culture that leaves women vulnerable by denying them equality in dignity and rights,” said the UN Secretary General, António Guterres. UNSMIL encourages all authorities to work toward an effective legal framework which addresses violence against women and girls, both in the private and public sphere, so that they are able to engage in electoral processes as voters and candidates and be meaningfully represented in all levels of decision-making. “Every effort invested in the prevention of violence against women and girls is a significant step towards a safer, more just, and inclusive Libya,” said SRSG Bathily.

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