The Red Cross/Crescent movement is a global Humanitarian network of more than 80 million people who help those facing disasters, conflict, and health and social disasters. It consists of the Committee of the Red Cross, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the 191 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and the 191 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
The Libyan Conflict
The Libyan conflict, now entering its ninth year could be a demonstration of wars that might be fought in the future. The conflict itself looks much different today than it did in the back when it initial started when an alliance of NATO countries deposed long time Libyan dictator Muammar Qaddafi resulting in a 9 year-long civil war period in the country .
On one side of the conflict is the internationally recognized Government of National Accord, or GNA, backed by Turkey and, to a lesser extent, Italy and Qatar. On the other side is the Libyan National Army(LNA), led by Khalifa Haftar and backed by a diverse coalition that includes Russia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt.
The conflict seems to have an end for now
What is happening in Libya?
To start with the very basics here is what is happening in Libya right now:
Years after the fall of Muammar Qaddafi, Libya still continues to struggle to end conflicts. External actors have exacerbated Libya’s problems by funding money and weapons to proxies that have put personal interests above those of the Libyan people. U.N. efforts to broker a lasting peace are visibly failing with power struggled with foreign countries. Meanwhile, Libya’s borders remain porous, particularly in the southern Fezzan, with a drastic increase in trade of illegal substances
At the subnational level, loads local conflicts and long-standing feuds between various factions, tribes, and ethnic groups. In the shadow of the ongoing conflict around Tripoli, the prospects for a political solution are dimmed by the country’s deep political and tribal divides. Causing a lot of political tension amongst the country
Since 2011 USIP’s approach in Libya has been focused on building a strong local infrastructure for peace, strengthening the capacities of key constituencies like women, youth. These locals are very crucial to the success of any eventual transitional justice effort, creating a constructive platform to address grievances and reduce polarization and violence. USIP’s work is meant to empower Libyans with the tools necessary to contribute to sustainable peace in the country.
Loads of protests have been occurring all over the country against the military and people are not stopping anytime soon as these protests grow more intense daily. Also with a sudden surge of COVID cases all over the conflict-stricken country, the red crescent is making immense efforts to flatten the curve as well as help the people affected by the on-going conflicts there with volunteers working round the clock to help people, recover dead bodies, providing aid and support to those struggling in the country.
How can we help?
As of 2020, the Libyan Red Crescent has over 8000 volunteers working actively to help people in the country. To help please donate to organizations that help fund the volunteers and raise awareness against what is happening in the country.
Till Next Time,
~Ananya Agarwal