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Libya

The 2011 Libyan revolution led to the ousting of Qaddafi and the country’s first steps towards the formation of an elected government. Civilians were at risk from fighting by multiple parties during the revolution and are still vulnerable as the country rebuilds.

Throughout the conflict, the Center called on all warring parties to avoid civilians including pro-Qaddafi forces, the rebels, militias, and NATO. With the fighting officially over, we’ve focused our efforts on garnering amends to those civilians suffering losses and working to ensure Libyan security forces and the newly elected government prioritize protection policies.

Our work on the ground began in spring of 2011, as Center staff traveled to the country to develop practical ways the Libyan opposition and NATO forces could better protect civilians, track casualties, investigate civilian harm, and make amends for civilian losses when appropriate. Since then, we have maintained a presence in the country, continuing to interview civilians, document allegations of harm caused by warring parties, and advocate for proper programs to address harm.

The Center has partnered with other organizations to research and publish reports on civilian harm in Libya including Refugees International, Center for American Progress, and Harvard Law School’s International Human Rights Clinic. Working on issues including the threat posed to civilians by leftover and unmonitored weapons caches, monitoring and responding to civilian losses, and protection of civilians, the Center has been dedicated to advocating for Libyan civilians.