Libya - One year on
The 17th February 2012 marks the first anniversary of the start of the Libya uprising. A year ago Libyans began peaceful protests calling for a more open and democratic country, Qadhafi and his forces responded with widespread violence against the people of Libya, committing serious human rights abuses against civilians. 12 months on, Libya is free from the Qadhafi regime, with the declaration of National Liberation signalling a new chapter for Libyan people as they strive to build a free, democratic and inclusive Libya.
The UK played a key role in supporting the Libyan people during the uprising, which included providing stabilisation support and expertise. The Stabilisation Unit assisted in this role by deploying the first ever International Stabilisation Response Team (ISRT) in May 2011. Their mission was to provide a stabilisation assessment in support of the National Transitional Council and the international community. The SU recruited, prepared, deployed, supported and recovered a team of 13 civilian experts, providing armoured vehicles and communications equipment so that they could complete their three week mission safely and effectively. The successful deployment of the ISRT marks a watershed in the rapid and expeditionary deployment of civil effect.
The Unit has provided Stabilisation Advisors to support the UK Mission in Tripoli. It has also deployed civilian experts to take forward work on public financial management, civil society, policing and security matters.
Head of the Stabilisation Unit, Sheelagh Stewart said:
“The response to the Libya uprising provided an opportunity to demonstrate the Stabilisation Unit’s ability to deliver in times of crisis or upheaval: providing country experts, facilitating high level cross-Government workshops and developing options papers to inform integrated planning by the National Security Council. This activity contributed to shaping the UK and the international approach to the region.
“Delivering the first ever Stabilisation Response Team was a huge achievement for the Unit and SRTs remain an invaluable resource that the UK can call upon when responding to crises.”
The Stabilisation Unit is continuing to provide support and stabilisation expertise, particularly in relation to security, as part of the UK Government’s continued commitment to support Libya.