The Role of International Organizations in Solving the Humanitarian Crisis in Libya ( )

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2 The Role of International Organizations in Solving the Humanitarian Crisis in Libya ( ) Abu Qasem Ali Kantari Office of Displaced Persons Affairs Prime Minister s Office This paper was presented at the conference "The Displaced Persons in Libya.. Challenges and Solutions January 4, 2017 Tripoli- Libya 1

3 Introduction Libya is currently undergoing much tensions resulting from armed clashes and political conflicts which placed their burden on most aspects of the Libyan society. The situation has led to instability in State institutions and poor financial resources which have weakened the basic service provisions by all government institutions including the sectors of social affairs, education, health, energy, and water resources. Recently, the liquidity crisis has emerged on the surface to further exacerbate the crisis engendering a stifling humanitarian crisis. There is no doubt that the plight of displacement has been aggravated in Libya since the 17th of February revolution in 2011, the year marking the beginning of humanitarian crisis, according to international reports. Recently, and apart from the western region, the displacement waves have increased, especially in "Benghazi" and its outskirts, as well as in the southern region. The beginning of all humanitarian aid efforts, led by international organizations, were blaring. Recently these efforts were joined by governmental institutions and national civil organizations which covered several important needs and aspects and contributed to alleviating the suffering of displaced people in Libya. Some Libyan governmental institutions, national and international governmental and non-governmental organizations, and other active players have made important efforts in providing humanitarian aids to displaced people in an attempt to alleviate their suffering and respond to their needs. However, these efforts were random and were not part of a unified plan resulting in conflicting data about the displaced persons in Libya. Besides, several other actors entered this field such as national organizations, committees, and private sectors. The multiplicity of actors carrying varied objectives brought about unsatisfactory results. The displacement issue exerted a pressure on the interim government's list of priorities and was subject of discussion at the highest government level. The deteriorating humanitarian conditions of displaced persons in different areas in Libya were 2

4 acknowledged along with the need to improve their living standards in a way that ensures their rights equally to other citizens. Therefore, the Prime minister s office s decision (in the interim government) came as unanimous. The decision to pay more attention to the issue of displacement by making it a government's priority through establishing an office dealing with population displacement affairs and raising the issue to the level of decision makers in government was welcomed by all actors in the humanitarian field, inside and outside Libya. In the last few years, we were able to quickly and easily receive international support (when there were signs of stability and agreement). Now, the conditions are different and support has diminished. In fact, many humanitarian organizations left Libya to work from Tunisia. Hence, most of the humanitarian aid has been remotely provided since mid-july International humanitarian organizations are facing challenges in obtaining reliable and officially credible data. Therefore, some of them have pursued individual efforts in providing services to displaced people through partnering with secondary national organizations (as sub-contractors). The partnership with these local organizations was carried out in parallel to Libyan specialized governmental institutions. This weakened the role of the latter, amid the absence of legal legislation that regulates the working procedures with international organizations, as well as the lack of public finance (services) and most importantly, the absence of a unified centralized authority. Now, it has become very important to work on finding a mechanism that regulates the work of international partners operating in our country with governmental institutions and civil society. Committees were formed to study the work mechanisms, but their report has not yet been released. In this paper, we will try to propose a working mechanism based on the relevant institutions. In this paper, I will try to address the indicators of international support to the humanitarian crisis in Libya. This indicator illustrates the interest of regional and international organizations in Libyan affairs. Despite the cooperation of many of our Arab neighbors, it is obvious to everyone that the Arab humanitarian and economic role 3

5 is barely seen among the efforts trying to alleviate the intensity of humanitarian crisis in Libya. Examining these indicators guide us to those concerned with the Libyan affairs and those playing a role in the Libyan crisis, which should not have been. Our country does not need money but rather a toolkit to help it stabilize. Summary: United Nations and the Coordinative Role of its Delegation in the International Support to Libya In Libya, there are currently 25 United Nations agencies, funds, and programs among which the delegation of International Organization for Migration, in addition to international financial institutions such as the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, which are under the umbrella of the UN mission in Libya, and the leadership of the resident coordinator who is also humanitarian affairs coordinator as humanitarian activities are implemented under his care. The UN has expertise in six sectors: 1. Social services 2. Economic recovery 3. Public administration and governance 4. Human rights, transitional justice and rule of law 5. Culture and tourism 6. Infrastructure population Source: ( Some of the International Organizations Working on Displacement Issues in Libya: Center for Humanitarian Dialogue (H.D Center) is based in the Swiss city, Geneva. It facilitates dialogue and conducts mediation in order to establish a reconciliation through holding workshops and meetings between officials in Libya. The center has experience in dialogue sessions. It receives support from the European Union Commission and was granted permission to work until the end of

6 Mercy Corp Organization: Its main headquarter is in Portland, in the United States. It works in the field of supporting and training civil society, conflict resolution, relief operations, and has experience in field work. It continues to work remotely from the brotherly State of Tunisia through national civil society organizations, and receives support from the European Union Commission and the British support program. Danish Refugee Council (D.R.C): Provides assistance and humanitarian relief to refugees and conducts mines clearance operations. It continues to work from Tunisia and through partnerships with national civil society organizations. It receives support from the British Embassy and the European Union Commission. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) (an international movement): Its main headquarter is in Geneva. It is an unbiased, professional, impartial and independent organization. Countries entrust it with protecting and assisting victims of armed conflicts through the four Geneva conventions of It enjoys the immunity of international governmental organizations, and all privileges, including the agreement to establish headquarters of the Committee. A Summary of the Activities of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) During 2014: Health sector: With the help of the Libyan Red Crescent Association, the ICRC provided urgent medical supplies to 23 hospitals, 27 branches of the Red Crescent Association, and health care centers in various areas in Libya to help treat the wounded during armed clashes. Nearly citizens have benefited from these medical supplies. ICRC also provided first aid training sessions to 76 volunteers from the Red Crescent Association in 16 branches. ICRC organized training sessions on health and emergency cases for 16 doctors from "Sebha" and 16 from the western region hospitals and other sessions on weapon wounds for 33 surgeons from all over Libya. 5

7 In collaboration with the University of "Tripoli" and "Misrata", ICRC organized Misrata's workshop for physical rehabilitation". However, shortly prior to the opening of the workshop, the committee had to evacuate its staff from Libya. Humanitarian aid: In cooperation with the Libyan Red Crescent Association, ICRC increased its support activities to displaced people through distributing food aid to about displaced persons and 2659 displaced families. It also distributed household items to about displaced persons and 6675 families. Family ties and detainees in Libya: ICRC helped Libyan detainees in the U.S. detention centers at Guantanamo Bay, in Cuba, to contact their families in Libya via video calls. It also helped 77 families know the locations and fate of their sons and collected 191 verbal or written messages between detainees abroad and their families in Libya, and between detainees in Libya and their families abroad. ICRC visited 5300 detainees in 18 detention centers and followed up with 200 detainees individually. The Committee sent recommendations to the concerned authorities to improve the conditions of detainees. However, since July, the Committee suspended detention center visits, and kept the humanitarian aid. Supporting the Libyan Red Crescent Association: ICRC donated five ambulances, five trucks, six cars, six electric generators, wireless equipment, and equipment for Internet connection via satellite. Promoting international humanitarian law in Libya: ICRC organized two training sessions on international humanitarian law for 115 Libyan military officers, but it did not complete the remaining training programs after the month of July. Source: International Committee of Red Cross Report of

8 Million Swiss Franc Top 15 worldwide field operations in terms of spending and a map showing the activities of ICRC Source: the International Committee of the Red Cross, 2015: Top 15 Worldwide Field Operations in Terms of Spending Map showing the activities of ICRC worldwide 7

9 Note: Libya is not among the largest ICRC's humanitarian operations worldwide in 2015, but it exists within its activities. The situation in Libya did not propel the need for focusing the support and maximizing its financial value by International organizations which are the players in the humanitarian crisis in our country. Summary of International Humanitarian Support to Libya Indicators During the Crisis Years According to International Reports (OCHA): International funding for the year 2011 was estimated at $99.4 million representing 0.7% of total international funding for humanitarian crisis worldwide. The amount of funding, based on humanitarian appeal, and response plans of international organizations working in Libya was estimated at $32.2 million. These varying indicators of the funding size throughout the humanitarian crisis in 2011 (according to international reports) show the pressure put on the list of urgent humanitarian needs in that period. In fact, March and September were marked by the highest humanitarian aid provision index which coincided with an increase in displacement waves resulting in a smooth flow of funding and aid in a short period of 8

10 time. Many displaced persons and foreigners leaving the Libyan territories benefited from this aid during March We note an increase in the index of funding from 0.2 in January to 8.9 in February to reach $15.3 million in March. Afterwards, it gradually declined again in May to increase one more time during the months of June and July. The maximum funding during the year reached $15.8 million. The decline and increase of the funding index during different periods of time throughout the year indicates the fluctuation of displacement waves as a result of security threats for civilians. It is also a sign of a poor or complete lack of personal security which urged the population to displace, fearing for their safety. The index also points out to periods of stability followed by large waves of displacement which we clearly see in the month of September, when the war reached an end in the coastal cities of Libya. It seems that the core data for the international humanitarian funding index came as a response to the basic needs of displaced people in Libya. It also represents the interests and concerns of specific States, which express their desire to help Libyans in their crisis and present themselves as supporters. 9

11 A Table Showing the International Organizations Which Received Funding in 2011 Organizations which received funding Funding in U.S. Dollar Percentage of the total funding The United Nations Children's Fund The International Organization for Migration 9,056, ,762, The World Health Organization 7,892, The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees 4,073, ,066, The World Food Program. 1,444, Food and Agriculture Organization The United Nations Population Fund United Nations Department for Safety and Security The Total Share of UN organizations of international funding Source/ftsbeta.unocha.org 1,052, , , ,558,

12 We note that the support and funding go directly to UN funds and agencies as they are experienced and capable international players in the field of aid provision. Their work is based on neutrality as they do not express any political views urging countries to rely on them to alleviate the suffering. They also provide the required technical consultations to address crises without intervening in the internal affairs of countries. Most of the funding comes from UN-affiliated central emergency response funds. This kind of support conveys an international solidarity with internal crises in some countries. From a humanitarian aspect, these funds provide support as required by the humanitarian situation of internally displaced persons or vulnerable groups such as illegal immigrants and refugees. Some major countries could financially support UN aid programs that are publicly directed to support internally displaced people or other groups. This does not necessarily reflect the interests of these countries, but rather it is understood as a support for the continuation of the humanitarian efforts of UN programs and funds as a neutral tool and humanitarian solidarity. We will see in the following table a clear difference in the way States express their interests in issues outside their own countries. 11

13 International and Non-Governmental Organizations Beneficiaries of International Funding in 2011: Recipient organizations of international funding in The International Committee of the Red Cross The funding in US dollar Percentage of international funding directed to the Libyan crisis Set of different international organizations International Medical Corps Agency for Technical Cooperation and Development (ACTED) Save the Children Organization Swiss Solidarity and Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation The International Civil Defense Organization The Danish Church Organization Swiss Foundation for Children International Consulting Group Total international organizations share of international funding for 2011 Source/ftsbeta.unocha.org International support for the issue of displacement varies from one dossier to another, and UN agency versus international organization. For instance, we noticed the growing support that was smoothly provided to International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) on regular basis during the crisis phase in Libya. In fact, once the ICRC launches a humanitarian appeal to address a critical humanitarian case, it immediately receives sufficient support and funding to finance its humanitarian activities on the ground in Libya. ICRC receives support from western governments, and especially from its headquarter in Switzerland or other major European countries, and even industrialized countries. In this context, the support is expressing the trust international community puts on ICRC as an unbiased and independent humanitarian organization that provides assistance and support to those in need regardless of their race, religion, or attributes as 12

14 parties to the armed, tribal, or political conflict. In the meantime, this support conveys the political will of States and their international interests agenda. However, this interest and desire to provide support and aid are not given to everyone asking for them, but rather the money is granted to an honest and unbiased mediator in the humanitarian crisis, while these donors do not convey any political message through their support to ICRC. Thus, the sole question here which we are trying to figure out is "who is supporting whom?", so that we can understand the international messages of solidarity with our country during the crisis and lead it to stability. At times, the support comes directly from a government to a non-governmental humanitarian organization, which we noticed on several occasions in reports on international funding to the humanitarian crisis in Libya. For instance, the government of Denmark supports its national organizations which are neutral and working on the ground, but the question remains about the humanitarian activities of this organization on the ground in Libya. We can understand it as a non-official delegation of the Danish government since it reflects the desire of the latter to support and assist Libya in mitigating the humanitarian crisis. 13

15 International Funding for the Humanitarian Crisis in Libya According to the Various Vital Sectors during the Crisis in 2011: Funding by sector Funding in U.S. Dollar Percentage out of the total funding Health sector Several sectors Mine related procedures Coordination and support services Water and sanitation Protection, human rights and reinforcing the rule of law Host communities and non-food items Education Economy and infrastructure Agriculture Food Non-specific sectors Total international Spending on humanitarian crisis in Libya during Source/ftsbeta.unocha.org million U.S. dollars. 100 % This table shows the vital and necessary sectors for alleviating the intensity of humanitarian crisis which always comes as an urgent priority and for which humanitarian appeals are launched. The most demanded vital sector during a humanitarian crisis is the health sector, given its importance in maintaining people's lives and fighting the diseases which could emerge as a result of the deteriorating food 14

16 and potable water systems. Therefore, health sector remains among the priorities of all humanitarian organizations to financially cover it. It receives the largest amount of funding and interest followed by other important sectors notably personal safety from remnants of war and landmines and housing sector which is not of less importance as it provides humanitarian services to the internally displaced people. The shelter is vital to the lives of displaced families as it helps them settle down, even temporarily as well as it provides them with fixed addresses to facilitate the reception of aids from the humanitarian society. International humanitarian funding always focuses on the health needs of the internally displaced population and other vulnerable groups (refugees and immigrants). During the Libyan humanitarian crisis, the funding granted to the health sector in 2011 was estimated at which represents 24% of the total funding to all other service and essential sectors during the same year. This reflects the importance of health sector as a very high priority and a humanitarian need. It is no secret, that for so long the health services have been deteriorated in our country. "The Largest Funders (Donors) to the Humanitarian Crisis in Libya in 2011" The European Union Commission 19.4% UK 11.3% Australia 15.4% Spain 6.3% Italy 7.5% The rest of the donor countries 40.1% This diagram illustrates international partners and those interested in supporting the humanitarian crisis in Libya. We find the European Union on the list of the main donors. 15

17 Its contribution in several fields has been continuous and has not been interrupted, but most major EU countries which are concerned with the situation in Libya put pressure to provide humanitarian aid. At the beginning, there were no political pressures and some of these countries have individually provided aid outside the framework of EU Commission, but the latter remains as a regional organization lobbying towards enhancing the humanitarian situation. It gives an impetus to European organizations to coordinate the assistance among each other as a unified group in Libya which was the case during the years following the crisis. On the other side, there are also countries outside the EU which are concerned with the humanitarian crisis in Libya and have significantly contributed to providing grants and humanitarian aids through providing funding to UN agencies programs or international organizations as an expression of their support for the humanitarian issue in Libya. Friendly countries decisions to provide funding express their support for the change in Libya and their visions towards the progress of this change and its phases. As long as this change is moving forward on the right path, these countries believe that it needs support and assistance. The support declines when this change derives from that path, which we will address in the comprehensive analysis of the humanitarian operations funding since 2011 until

18 Indicators of International Humanitarian Funding in 2012: In January 2012, we notice an increase in the indicator of international humanitarian support and funding, then it declined to be barely seen during the rest of the year. The decline was due to the decrease of humanitarian activities responding to the needs of internally displaced people since the calls of the latter for humanitarian assistance have dropped. In that period, a spurt of aid was smoothly and easily provided to its beneficiaries. Meanwhile, the newly-formed transitional government decided to disburse dues and bonuses, which contributed to alleviating and mitigating the intensity of crisis and achieving a stability in government service provision. These conditions helped decrease the indicator of international humanitarian support which we clearly see during the months of February and March and even December We should not forget that many immigrants and refugees, who resorted to neighboring countries in 2011, remain in Libya and they are in need of international aid. This means that the humanitarian support cannot continue while the government is able to provide the basic and necessary needs of its citizens regardless of the situation of displacement or stability in the country. The link here is important and the indicator reflects a state of stability in 17

19 Libya in 2012 which resulted in a decrease of funding to the humanitarian crisis in the country. Indicators of International Humanitarian Funding in 2013: During this year, the flow of international humanitarian assistance continued especially in the fields of development and recovery. When the Libyan government stabilized and resumed its functions in providing the required services to its citizens, international aid changed its orientation from relief provision phase to a recovery and development phase. In fact, in 2013 most of international aid projects were directed towards supporting civil society organizations in the fields of training and capacity building. These two axes were the focus of interest of EU countries and around which they dedicated projects and supported many organizations, which we will not address in this paper. However, the indicator of support reflects an assistance which was actually achieved from a humanitarian perspective, but international support varied in the tools used since not all the aids consisted of medicines or food but also of another important component which is development. The support tools are what actually justify the change in indicator and its decline from $99 million U.S. dollars in 2011 to $16 million dollars in 2012, then to $11 million dollars in The change in indicator did not mean that 18

20 support and assistance declined but the international humanitarian community's support objectives have changed. Indicators of International Humanitarian Funding in 2014: We noted that the support indicator for funding humanitarian operations in Libya had totally changed during the second half of The focus shifted to support the displaced population who received support in 2013 and who settled down in camps in Tripoli or temporarily in other areas such as residences of workers in foreign companies. In 2014, the funding increased along with the increase of displacement in the western region as a result of armed operations in Tripoli. The large waves of displacement towards the western region and the rapid distribution of the displaced were surprising to all. In reality, they did not represent a critical pressure in the list of humanitarian needs of international organizations and agencies but they represented a different kind of pressure. During the month of September, many international donors have clearly anticipated the provision of assistance. The month was also marked by the reports and analyses released by international Crises Committees, international organizations, and embassies on the humanitarian situation and the deviation of the stability index. In fact, in December the 19

21 humanitarian funding shifted back to the phase of relief leaving aside the development and capacity building projects. Furthermore, the work teams of international organizations delegations and offices in Libya left the country to work remotely from Tunis since mid-july and until now resulting in conflicting data, information, and reports on the displacement crisis in Libya. This situation influenced the governments' decisions about offering grants or humanitarian aid to Libya. Indicators of International Humanitarian Funding in 2015: In 2015, circumstances changed and further exacerbated the severity of the crisis. The number of people in need of international aid has become a new category. Before, they were stable and perhaps even supporters, today they are forced to receive aids, but the international funding and humanitarian operations seemed clear. Despite the increase in funding throughout the year, the humanitarian crisis in Libya does not represent 1% of the total funding at the level of humanitarian crises worldwide which we have to understand very well, in addition to the level of interest of the world in Libya. 20

22 Indicators of International Humanitarian Funding during the years : This figure about the indicators of funding humanitarian operations in Libya from 2011 and until 31/12/2016 provides data on the humanitarian crisis since its beginning and through the periods of stability and disparities between the rise and fall in the size of funding that reached $285.5 million during the past six years which is equivalent to the amount of funding four African countries in 2016 which are Burkina Faso ($50 million), Burundi ($54 million), Cameron ($159) and the Republic of Djibouti ($26 million). Altogether the funding amount reached $289 million which is equivalent to the amount of funding provided to Chad alone ($278 million) in 2016 that is 51% of the requested funding ($541 million). The size of the international humanitarian funding to Libya in the last six years represents 2% of the total international aids requested in 2016 which amounted to $ billion and cover the humanitarian needs of 35 countries suffering a humanitarian crisis in the world. Syria was on the top of the list as the funding received by international organizations reached about $4.61 billion out of $7.730 billion. Therefore, the humanitarian crisis in Libya does not represent a focus of interest compared to crises in other countries in the region for several reasons, among which; our country has sufficient resources to provide basic services to its citizens besides that is a rich country according to the classification of international donor organizations. The 21

23 motto of the crisis from the perspective of international organizations, research centers, and international financial institutions in one of their reports was "Libya, the crisis that should not have been". Therefore, the humanitarian crisis in Libya is a result of political repercussions which put weight on the humanitarian needs of citizens. In light of the lack of an agreement from which stems a sole centralized authority, the unjustified suffering of the internally displaced people will continue Indicator of International Support for the Humanitarian Crisis in Libya in 2016: The largest beneficiary of funding in 2016 Health sector with 23.6% The largest donor in 2016 The European Union with 18.0% The largest Int'l organization beneficiary of Int'l funding The largest nongovernmental organization International Organization for Migration affiliated to the United Nations ($14.6 Mill) that is 15.8% International Committee of the Red Cross ($12.2 Mill) with 13.3% 22

24 Humanitarian Response Plan 2016 The actual coverage of the plan 31/12/2016 Required support for the humanitarian response plan 2015/16 Observations of the Office of Displaced Persons affairs at the Prime Minister s Office Weak coordination between the providers of services to the displaced and the concerned governmental institutions amid a lack of the required resources Contradiction in the provided data (publishing reports without the participation of the government) Evaluation of the needs and priorities (Not involving the displaced persons and governmental agencies) Failure in the aids monitoring mechanism (several channels) 23

25 The Proposed Working Mechanism for the International Organizations 2017 First: The Strategic Level Minister of Displaced Persons and Refugees Affairs Office of Technical Cooperation - Ministry of Planning Office of Displaced Persons Affairs -Prime Minister's Office The National Council of Economic Development - The Office of Demographic Studies Department of International Organizations- Ministry of Foreign Affairs Second: Technical Level (Data and Services) Sources of Data / Studies and Information: "A scientific methodology is pursued in data collection and its protection" Bureau of Statistics and Census Center of Social Studies Ministry of Social Affairs Governmental and non-governmental bodies and research centers. Municipalities Social Affairs Offices Local Crises Committees in municipalities and local councils. National civil society organizations (Civil society institutions) International humanitarian organizations and UN agencies and programs working in Libya 24

26 Tools of Humanitarian Work (Services) Working through government tools along with welcoming the help of non-official national, regional and international tools. GO's The Libyan Humanitarian and Relief Agency (Prime Minister's Office) The services governmental sectors such as health and education. N.NGO's National civil society organizations (a network of organizations in different regions) Red Crescent Association (a national independent partner which has the ability and experience) I.NGO's The work teams of the International organizations and UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) 25

27 The Main National Governmental Institutions Providing Humanitarian Services to Displaced Persons: The Libyan Humanitarian Relief Agency (Libaid.org). The Libyan Humanitarian Relief Agency, a government institution affiliated to The Prime minister s Office. It was founded in 2006 in Benghazi and aims to help victims of disasters as well as providing humanitarian aid for the most vulnerable groups. It is the only governmental institution able to work on the ground because of its competence, has adequate well-trained human resources (about 182 employees) and connection with the specialized national and international institutions concerned with the Libyan affairs. Its activities are focused on providing humanitarian aids to the needy in Libya. It has branches in: Benghazi, Tripoli, Sabha, Sirte, Misrata, Derna, and the Western Mountain. Recommendation: We have to encourage the board of directors to perform their duties towards their countries and put pressure on the government to provide sufficient budget to cover the citizens' needs. Strengthening the Authority and providing it with the sufficient funding will alleviate the pressure on all service Ministries and government institutions as well as national and international organizations in providing aids. There will be only one channel providing aids to its beneficiaries. Coordination would facilitate dealing with the authority as well as monitor it and following up with its activities. This serves the national interest from the humanitarian aspect and reduces the random ways in providing the basic services to citizens in Libya. 26

28 The Audience Questions About the Axes of the Scientific Paper: The audience reacted on the indicators of international funding directed to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Libya. Several topics were raised notably the mechanisms to support the displaced persons, and some raised their ideas about the issue of displacement and how some displaced groups are exposed to recurrent displacement waves. Some of the attendees demanded a better representation of local government institutions and to better highlight the role of civil society. Other questions were raised about building national humanitarian institutions, establishing a legislative framework for the displacement issue, developing a methodology of work with international organizations in Libya, and the role of the authority in managing the issue of displacement. The answers to the questions stated that the available mechanisms to support the displaced persons are represented by the Libyan Authorities for Relief, which we addressed in this paper. Many Libyan civil society organizations supported the Libyan Relief Agency. In a way, it contributed to alleviating the intensity of displacement and provided the necessary needs of displaced persons in various areas, and those who were exposed to recurrent waves of displacement such the case of migrants from "Tawergha" in "Benghazi". 27

29 In fact, the conditions of the displaced people are known to everyone. The deteriorating economic crisis has further exacerbated the intensity of the displacement. Amid these circumstances, the civil society plays an important and vital role in receiving aids and in exerting pressure on the rival parties to facilitate the procedures of providing humanitarian assistance as well as sparing many displacement regions armed conflicts. Civil society is often able to coordinate aids and embark on humanitarian negotiations before the government agencies take action. However, much of civil society work was never documented. With limited resources and lack of coordination with government agencies, the fruitful results of civil society's work are often delayed. We also addressed with our international partners, who are concerned with the humanitarian affairs in our country, the poor representation of governmental institutions. We always recommend the focus on building institutional capacities and human resources. We noted that there is a working mechanism proposed to the government which aims to regulate the work of humanitarian international organizations in the future. We proposed a coordination mechanism to regulate the work of local and international parties in a clear channel that allows the future participation of several national and international civil society organizations. Finally, we recommend to always get back to government institutions when dealing with displacement issue, and its repercussions on the humanitarian crisis and international commitment. Thus, a prior cooperation and coordination could lead to a comprehensive work plan supported by a clear political will and courage to address the issue of displacement permanently. Our country does not need money, but rather a political will to solve the problems and alleviate the intensity of the humanitarian crisis which in all ways should not have to been in Libya. 28

30 Recommendations: Adopting a clear methodology for working mechanisms with international organizations in accordance with a legal framework. Government institutions have to coordinate and exchange official information. The participation of government in preparing, publishing, and adopting international reports on Libyan affairs in Libya in the upcoming years Focusing on supporting a sole governmental channel to distribute aids. Benefiting from the international support for humanitarian response plan for the year 2017 especially in the aspect of institutional capacities building. Long-Term Proposals (Government Stability): The humanitarian crisis in Libya occurred in a surprising way, hence, various national and international efforts came together to face the crisis given the limited national experience in managing such crises. Addressing the humanitarian crisis in Libya, allowed many individuals either those working in government or independent institutions to gain experience and opened new prospects for regional and international cooperation based on the geographical and historical role of Libya as transit corridor across Africa. We suggest examining the idea of a project to create a free humanitarian services area that is eligible to host international organizations, settling them regionally, and using the Libyan territories as a base to launch humanitarian aids in the south of Libyan Sahara. The basis of the idea: We suggest developing the functions of the Libyan Humanitarian and Relief Agency through the adaptation of a legislation that stipulates the restructure of the agency from a governmental logistic institution to a comprehensive governmental project which deals with humanitarian services. This governmental project should include management centers and sufficient warehouses to be used as storage to keep all kinds of aids including 29

31 medicines and food and others. Also, it should have offices for local, regional and international humanitarian and charitable organizations, UN agencies and programs, especially in African Sub-Saharan countries. The agency should benefit from the air supply lines and possess its own cargo planes, and training centers and other humanitarian logistic service, which could contribute to creating several new job opportunities for youth. Summary: Libya a gate to Africa (the function of the gate is to regulate the entry and exit) We have to invest in the geography as an economic resource for our country from the humanitarian aspect. Our European neighbors contributed to using this gate for exit only (crossing of economic migrants). We have to encourage them to invest in providing aids and entering through the same gate. 30

32 Recent Publications 1. Priorities of National Reconciliation Government. 2. The Draft of Political Agreement: Review of the Content Audit Bureau Report and Rationalization of Public Spending. 4. A Framework for the Comprehensive Transitions (Translated to Arabic). 5. Social Impacts of the Political Division in Libya. 6. The Political and Security Scene in Libya an Analytical and Forward-Looking Vision. 7. The Economic Impacts of Political Division in Libya. 8. Is it Possible to Bring Peace to Libya? 9. Policies of Commodities Subsidy in Libya. 10. Libya 2015 Report: Year in Review. 11. Government Performance Evaluation in Libya for Year War on ISIS in Libya through the Accord. 13. The Libyan Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA): Path, Outcomes and Reviews. 14. Consociational Democracies, Political Stability and External Intervention. 15. The Health Sector in Libya: Situation and Challenges. 16. Financial Corruption in the Libyan Economy. 17. The Situation of Higher Education in Libya. 18. Public Education in Libya: Problems, Challenges and Solutions. 19. The Impact of Geography and Demography on the Conflict and the Solution in Libya. 20. The Role of the Social Groups and Religion in the Conflict over Power in Libya. 21. Performance Evaluation of the Ministry of Interior in Libya. 22. War against ISIS. Till When? Assessment Report. 23. The Paths of War in Benghazi. Assessment Report. 24. The International Community and its Compliance with the Skhirat Agreement. Assessment Report. 25. Eight Months after Signing the Political Agreement. Assessment Report. 26. Tripoli and the Oil Crescent; Two Possible Pathways to War in Libya. Assessment Report. 27. Consequences of Voting No Confidence on Government of National Accord. Assessment Report. 31

33 28. The Role of the State in the Economic Activity in Libya. 29. The Libya Case. Monthly report, August The Libyan Political Dialogue (Skhirat). Obstacles or Closed Roads? Assessment Report. 31. The Shifts of the Conflict in the Oil Crescent. Assessment Report. 32. The Libyan Oil Sector during Year Repercussions of the Declarations of the State Council and the Mufti. Assessment Report. 34. Challenges Facing the Spatial Development in Libya. 35. The Libya Case. Monthly report, September The Russian Role in Libya. A Context of a New Cold War. Assessment Report. 37. Social Justice in Libya since The State of War in Libya What is it? And How to Dismantle it? 39. The Possibility of an Armed Clash in Tripoli after the Return of the Salvation Government Assessment Report. 40. New Possible Scenarios for the War in the Oil Crescent. Assessment Report. 41. The Possibilities of the Libyan War: Monopoly - War - Division Negotiation. 42. The Absence of the State Movement in Libya. 43. The Libya Case. Monthly report, October A Vision for the Management of Antiquities and Heritage in Libya. 45. The Good Governance of the Libyan Investments and Funds Abroad. 46. A Proposed Framework to Ending the Conflict in Libya. 47. Analysis of the Libyan Administrative Control Authority (ACA) Report of the Year Five Libyan World Heritage Sites on the Danger List. 49. Small-Sized Enterprises (SSE).. The Best Choice for Libyan Economy. 50. Performance Assessment of the Ministry of Social Affairs in Libya. 51. The Libyan Economy Where is it heading?? 52. Performance Assessment of the Libyan Ports & Maritime Transport Authority (PMTA). 32

34 53. The Issue of Displaced Persons in Libya.. An Overview. 54. Problems Facing The Return of Displaced Persons and Solutions. 55. Counting the Internally Displaced Persons, Reality, Challenges, and Future Strategies. 33

35 About LOOPS The Libyan Organization Of Policies & Strategies (LOOPS) is an independent, nonprofit and nongovernmental institution founded in December 2014 in Tripoli, Libya. A representative branch was founded in Istanbul in January The organization carries out research and studies related to emerging policy and strategy issues with the aim of generating effective and successful policies and providing support to decision-makers. The organization devotes its efforts to improving the performance of Libyan institutions and advancing the economic and social welfare of the Libyan people. It seeks to spread the notions and concepts of quality, good governance, strategic planning and a culture of excellence so as to improve the performance of Libyan institutions. LOOPS aspires to promote and spread knowledge about public policies and strategies to the state through the dissemination of statistics, studies and periodic reports. It also organizes conferences, workshops and forums as platforms for discussion, the exchange of opinions and spreading knowledge. Tripoli Office Alnofliyin, Tripoli, Libya Tel: Istanbul Office Istanbul Vizyon Park Yenibosna Merkez MAH.29 Bahçelievler- Postal Code Ofis Plaz.A3 BLK K: 3/D28 Phone: Fax: Istanbul, Turkey 34