It certainly casts doubt on the premise that it was under the principle of Responsibility to Protect and subsequently it is clear that there was hyperbole in the reporting of the uprisings in Libya. Although NATO may have had the initial goal of protecting civilians, there is a substantial amount of evidence that suggests that the intervention was focused on regime change. This is very apparent from some of the military actions that NATO authorised and executed.
This was seen as largely unjustified, as the Gaddafi military posed a negligible threat to the local population as the local residents were supporting of the Gaddafi regime [21] ,and therefore was tactical decision focused on dismantling the manpower of the Libyan army, rather than the welfare of the Libyan people. The extent of the airstrikes that NATO committed in the intervention should be noted.
This sheer volume of missile strikes underlines the attention that was given in crippling the Libyan military, which would successively permit regime change to occur. This would limit accidental engagements on innocents, which would be crucial for a rebellion attempting to gain the support of the local civilian population. The NATO backing of rebel groups was also problematic due to the hidden intentions of certain rebels. Although a ceasefire would have the potential to open communication between the warring sides and limit further violence against civilians, NATO did not openly support the ceasefire.
This is controversial, especially in response to a ceasefire, as, if accepted, it would provide relief for the Libyan civilians affected by the civil war. Subsequently this would parallel with the objectives of Responsibility to Protect. S National Security and African development, [37] was the foundation for this American initiative. To conclude, the NATO intervention in Libya was extremely controversial due to its failure in outlining what the true objectives were. Although the intervention was framed under Responsibility to Protect, it is clear that regime change was the priority for NATO—though it does not follow from this that NATO failed to protect the Libyan population in its entirety.
However, this alteration of mission objectives questions the legitimacy of the intervention, and of NATO itself.
Koenig, A. Hiding in plain sight — the pursuit of war criminals from nuremberg to the. Oakland: University of California Press, p. The ethics of humanitarian intervention in Libya. No let-up in Gaddafi offensive. Libyan rebels pay a heavy price for resisting Gaddafi in Misrata. Leaked UN report reveals torture, lynchings and abuse in post-Gaddafi. Renewed clashes hit Libya capital. Slouching Towards Sirte.
Chicago: Baraka Books, p. In mid-March, the U. Panel of Experts released its page report on Libya, in accordance with resolution , detailing the host of challenges confronting the new government. Among them is the continuation of systematic human rights violations perpetuated against civilians, especially migrants and asylum seekers, the presence of terrorist groups on Libyan territory, and the continued presence of foreign military forces in the country.
It also notes the larger numbers of Syrian mercenaries fighting on behalf of both the eastern-based Libyan National Army and the U. The number of Syrian fighters has varied over time, from around 4, beginning in December to 13, in the last year. Their control of the entire supply chain complicates detection, disruption or interdiction. These two factors make any implementation of the arms embargo more difficult. The U. One of the main stipulations in the October cease-fire was the removal of all foreign fighters from Libyan territory, which the U.
Following those briefings, several Council members took the floor to express concern over civilian suffering in Libya and call for international unity supporting resumption of a Libyan-led political process to end the conflict.
In that regard, most speakers called for an end to foreign interference and strict adherence to the arms embargo. The parties should undertake sincere efforts to resume dialogue and work to rebuild State institutions, he said, welcoming the preparatory meetings leading to the international conference in Berlin.
Mohamed Taha Siala, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Libya, condemned the rising toll of civilian casualties caused by continued attacks against Tripoli by militias under General Khalifa Belqasim Haftar.
He called on the Security Council to end its silence in that regard. While foreign mercenaries remain active across Libya, many States have breached the longstanding arms embargo, he said, adding that advanced weapons, including drones, are now present in his country. Underlining the sovereign right of all States to defend their people, he said the Government continues to suffer from the embargo while militias easily obtain such weapons.
As the civilian death and injury toll rises, many families are leaving populated areas impacted by shelling. Drone technology, possibly operated by external parties, has resulted in over strikes in support of the Libyan National Army and in support of the Government of National Accord, in addition to increased use of unguided bombs by the National Army in populated areas.
Continued shipments of war materials, in breach of the arms embargo, are being brought into the country in support of different groups. He and his colleagues have been working tirelessly with Libyans to move forward the initiative he announced on 29 July. To prepare for the planned international summit in Berlin, meetings have taken place with the support of Germany, with participants drafting a communique outlining activities necessary to end the conflict.
They include the need to return to the Libyan-led political process, accompanying economic reform, a ceasefire, implementation of the arms embargo and security reform, as well as upholding international human rights and humanitarian law. UNSMIL is working to realize an operational annex to the communique to concretely bridge the Berlin Summit to intra-political dialogue to be launched under United Nations auspices immediately following. Regarding international support for peace, he said that putting implementation of the arms embargo at the heart of international commitment is essential in practical terms and as a message to the Libyan people.
Describing his regular engagement with Member States, he emphasized that international unity on the Libyan situation is needed. UNSMIL has engaged in extensive outreach to Libyan constituencies, including in the diaspora, and has involved units engaged in fighting as well as civilian representatives from across the country. A series of three events was recently held to support local mediators. The Government of Egypt and other partners have also continued to encourage political progress in the legislature and other forums.
Activity continues as well to overcome the legal blocks to municipal elections. Calling attention, once again, to the case of Seham Serghewa, the member of the House of Representatives abducted in July, he said that her fate is part of a larger pattern of violence against women across the country that also includes accusations of witchcraft and abuse of migrants.
In addition, more than civilians have been killed and more than , displaced since the latest round of the conflict began in April. Health care and education has been devastated, with over 60 attacks against health-care facilities this year.
There is a clear pattern of precision airstrikes on facilities that serve Government of National Accord forces, which may constitute war crimes. Migrants and refugees continue to be at risk of a range of ill-treatment, with serious concerns continuing over the transfer of migrants intercepted at sea to official and unofficial detention centres.
It would also undermine progress in the fight against terrorism in the Sahel. Foreign interferences in Libya must stop and the arms embargo, established by the Council, must be fully respected. Any initiative in support of a ceasefire agreement and a negotiated political settlement must be fully inclusive and consistent with the principles of the Berlin Conference, which remains the only viable international framework. Finalizing an immediate ceasefire is key, alongside compliance with the United Nations arms embargo by all Member States, including Council members.
All external actors should abide by the commitments they made in Berlin, immediately suspend military operations, stop transferring foreign military equipment and fighters to Libya, and allow local authorities to respond to the COVID pandemic.
These are examples of the continued violations of the arms embargo and clear violations of Libyan sovereignty. Welcoming the establishment of an international fact-finding mission to investigate violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, she said that a culture of impunity in Libya has gone on for far too long, as evidenced by the horrific discovery of eight mass grave sites in areas vacated by the Libyan National Army.
She went on to say that reforming UNSMIL now would be a good chance to capitalize on changes on the battlefield to bring about a permanent Libyan-led, Libyan-owned political settlement and to reinforce the commitments made in Berlin.
She welcomed the creation of the international fact-finding mission to Libya by the Human Rights Council, to investigate atrocity crimes and ensure accountability. Calling for an end to the flow of arms, private military operatives, fighter jets and drones in the country, he expressed shock over the discovery of mass graves in Tarhouna and advocated for a thorough investigation.
It is imperative that all international humanitarian and human rights law violations be addressed and that the perpetrators of such crimes be held accountable.
He also expressed extreme concern that, along with the spread of COVID, landmines and other explosives continue to be planted. Military action must stop immediately. States supporting Libyan actors must use their influence to encourage dialogue, he added.
Foreign interference must stop, and international efforts must focus on saving lives. Efforts by neighbouring States and regional organizations should be further encouraged.
He concluded by saying that the people of Libya have grown tired of empty narratives that have zero impact on the ground.
They want the international community not to meddle, but to find political solutions and lasting peace. He expressed concern at the killing, maiming, torture and sexual abuse of children, as well as flagrant abuses of human rights directed at migrants and refugees.
Women human rights defenders, peacebuilders and political leaders must be able to carry out their work without fear of retaliation. Constant violations of the arms embargo and persistent interference by external actors are creating the perfect storm for the perpetuity of the Libyan conflict, he said, calling for an end to foreign military intervention, as well as the lifting of the oil blockade. He called on parties to immediately stop fighting and return to peace talks, urging the Berlin Conference participants in particular to support those efforts.
He also urged parties to fully respect international humanitarian law, stop targeting civilians, ensure the safety of health-care workers and allow unhindered humanitarian access. All parties — both inside and outside Libya — must also strengthen their implementation to Council resolutions, he asserted. Now is the time to turn the concrete commitments made in Berlin into action, working collectively under strong United Nations leadership. Polarization that has turned Libya into a theatre for proxy wars must stop, he said, adding that unilateral initiatives go against the spirit of consensual international dialogue which Libya urgently needs.
Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, said that incessant external military intervention, disregard for the arms embargo and the uninterrupted deployment of foreign mercenaries are exacerbating the conflict and the challenge of resolving it. Systematic violations of the Berlin Conference commitments and Council resolutions must stop if there is to be any chance of putting Libya back on the path towards peace and stability. The same message must be conveyed to General Haftar.
All foreign interference in Libya in violation of the arms embargo must stop and all States must cooperate to halt arms transfers via air, land or sea. A real ceasefire must be established in the framework of the Berlin process, he said, adding that defining a demilitarized zone would help defuse tensions and reduce the military presence. Dialogue leading to an inclusive and Libyan-owned political solution must resume immediately. Oil production must resume promptly, he said, adding that Italy is ready to support a Libyan solution for a more equitable and transparent distribution of financial resources.
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