Libya’s Urgent Need: Unleashing Media and Aid for Flood-Stricken Regions

Amnesty International Calls for Immediate Action in Flood-Ravaged Libya

LAAF Restrictions on Media and Humanitarian Aid

Amnesty International has called on the Libyan Arab Armed Forces (LAAF) to lift all undue restrictions imposed on media and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to flood-ravaged areas, particularly the city of Derna. The LAAF, which exercises de facto control over eastern Libya, has increased restrictions on journalists and arrested critics and protesters. These actions come in the wake of catastrophic flooding caused by the bursting of two dams in Derna on September 11th.

Eyewitnesses have reported arrests of content creator Jamal El Gomati, who accused officials of corruption and responsibility for the disaster, as well as interference in the work of journalists. LAAF affiliates have imposed security clearance requirements and followed journalists, while interpreters have been instructed not to translate content critical of the authorities. These actions severely curtail the freedom of the press and hinder the dissemination of vital information during a crisis.

Furthermore, delays in aid reaching affected areas have been reported, partly due to numerous LAAF checkpoints. Medical teams from western Libya and at least one international rescue team have been instructed to leave, exacerbating the already dire situation. It is crucial to establish unfettered access for humanitarian organizations and ensure the timely delivery of aid to all affected communities.

An Unimaginable Tragedy

The loss of life and devastation caused by the floods in Derna and other parts of Libya is an unimaginable tragedy. Thousands are still missing, tens of thousands have been displaced, and entire neighborhoods and families have been washed into the sea. It is imperative that the Libyan authorities, including those in de facto control of affected areas, prioritize human rights in their crisis response efforts. This includes refraining from reprisals against critics and allowing for the existence of a vibrant civil society and independent media.

During times of crisis, civil society and independent media play a crucial role in securing survivors’ rights to life, safe housing, food, health, and access to information. The freedom to express dissenting voices, hold authorities accountable, and provide accurate information to the public is essential for a transparent and effective response.

Calls for Accountability

As calls for accountability grow among survivors and human rights defenders, it is paramount that an independent international investigative mechanism be established to examine the situation in Libya. Years of poor governance, mismanagement, and the self-interest of militias and armed groups have left civilians vulnerable and neglected. The prevailing climate of impunity raises serious concerns about the ability and willingness of the Libyan justice system to deliver truth and justice.

Powerful commanders and members of militias and armed groups, suspected of committing crimes under international law since the 2011 armed conflict, have not only enjoyed total impunity but have also been integrated into state institutions and received state funding. The harsh response of the LAAF to protests and criticism further highlights their unwillingness to secure truth, justice, and reparations for victims.

Background: The Crisis in Libya

Since 2011, Libya has been engulfed in armed conflict and political divisions, with parallel governments supported by unaccountable militias and armed groups vying for legitimacy. The LAAF controls Benghazi, the second-largest city in Libya, as well as large parts of eastern and southern Libya. Their brutal tactics to suppress dissent and maintain their grip on power are well-documented.

On September 11th, the collapse of two dams in Derna, Sousse, Bayada, and other areas resulted in a devastating disaster following Storm Daniel, a Mediterranean cyclone. Amnesty International has called for global mobilization to support rescue and rehabilitation efforts, emphasizing the need for impartiality and attention to at-risk groups such as refugees, migrants, and internally displaced persons.

Editorial: Upholding Human Rights in Crisis Response

The situation in Libya underscores the vital importance of upholding human rights in crisis response efforts. In times of disaster, ensuring access to timely information and facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid are critical. However, the actions of the LAAF in restricting media and hindering aid delivery reveal a disregard for these fundamental principles.

A vibrant civil society and an independent media serve as safeguards against government negligence, corruption, and the abuse of power. These actors, along with humanitarian organizations, play a crucial role in raising awareness, holding authorities accountable, and advocating for the rights of those affected by crises. It is imperative that the Libyan authorities dismantle any undue restrictions and provide unimpeded access to journalists, aid workers, and civil society actors.

Additionally, accountability is crucial for building a just society and preventing future disasters. The establishment of an independent international investigative mechanism to examine the loss of life and destruction caused by the floods in Libya is a necessary step towards justice and the prevention of future human rights abuses.

Advice: Prioritizing Human Rights in Crisis Response

To the Libyan authorities and those in control of affected areas, we urge the following actions:

1.

Lift Restrictions on Media:

Ensure freedom of the press, allowing journalists to report on the crisis, hold authorities accountable, and share vital information with the public.

2.

Facilitate Aid Delivery:

Remove barriers to the timely delivery of humanitarian aid and ensure that aid reaches all affected communities, including refugee, migrant, and internally displaced populations.

3.

Protect Civil Society and Human Rights Defenders:

Safeguard the rights of activists, critics, and protesters, refraining from reprisals and arrests. Nurture a thriving civil society that can effectively advocate for the rights of survivors and ensure transparency within the crisis response.

4.

Establish an Independent International Investigative Mechanism:

Collaborate with international bodies to establish an independent inquiry into the loss of life and destruction caused by the floods. This mechanism should examine the failures of authorities to protect the population’s rights to life, health, and other human rights.

By prioritizing human rights in crisis response efforts, Libya can begin to rebuild and address the underlying issues that have left its population vulnerable. Transparent and accountable governance, respect for the freedom of the press, and a strong civil society are essential for a resilient and just society.

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