The UNHCR and Libya : 1991-2010

Abstract

This study is an analysis of the relation between the UNHCR and the Libyan Government. This relation goes back to 1991, and has since, deteriorated. Initially, the UNHCR was responsible of tackling the influx of Somalis coming from Saudi Arabia during the first Gulf War. However, eventually, the UNHCR extended its operation to look after other nationalities and has recently been mainly involved with a great number of Sub- Saharan and Iraqi nationals. This however was not under the mandate given by the Libyan Government in 1991. This study takes into account two important elements, which are the migrant's rights under the UNHR Convention of Refugees, as well as the Libyan's government lack of policy framework in this regard. Libya is not a signatory of this Convention, and thus the UNHCR had the difficult task of reconciling the two. The epitome of this problem was reached in 2010, when the Libyan government expelled the UNHCR from the country. After this incident, relations were being restored and the office reopened under specific conditions, yet was halted again due to the uprising erupted 17 February 2011. This crisis is multi- dimensional, however one of its major elements was migration. As Libyan and third country nationals fled the instability in the country. This has in tum provided the Libyan people with awareness about the culture of seeking Asylum and Refuge, and this sheds hope on the future of the Libyan state and the entity which assists migrants, the UNCHR.