3rd Main Committee-Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, International
Response to Natural Disasters
Laura Schroeder
The Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya recognizes the havok natural
disasters can wreak on nations across the planet. Libya itself suffers from ghibli, southern winds
lasting 1-4 days and causing immense sandstorms and dust storms. Aware that disasters with
grave effects such as this plague numerous nations, Libya is willing to cooperate with other
countries in order to lessen the terrible consequences these disasters cause.
In 1991, the United Nations placed sanctions on Libya due to several bombings initiated
by Libyan citizens. Libya is a proud socialist state, led by a powerful leader, colonel Muammar
Qaddafi, and has the most stable economic condition of all of the North African nations that
border it. However, its government took note of its isolation and lack of cooperation with the
western world, finding them a source of weakness. Therefore, in 1999, Libya underwent dramatic
policy changes in regard to other nations, particularly those in the West. In 2003, the UN lifted its
sanctions on Libya as Libya began to normalize its ties with the European Union and the United
States. The relations of the United States and Libya have become so much stronger than in the
past that a new term, "The Libya Model," has been coined to demonstrate how nations can
progress when relations are improved.
Libya is ready to assist other nations in the wake of natural disaster, and has the means
to contribute to international disaster relief efforts. Of a population of 6,173,579 according to a
July 2008 estimate, about 30% of the people are unemployed. In the past decade, Libya agreed
to abandon its weapons of mass destruction program, resulting in more national funds available
for use. In addition, the oil sector continues to a large source of income for Libya, even as market
related reforms are taking place. Libya would be willing to provide humanitarian aid for the natural
disasters of other nations, using funds to provide stipends for those who choose to be aid
workers. Those working in this area would not only employ themselves in aiding countries closely
following natural disaters, but also proceeding them. Programs to prepare for the future and its
inevitable natural disasters must be developed with the aid of the UN. Each country has the
responsibilty to oversee the growth of these programs and tailor them to its specific needs. The
Hyogo Framework for Action, already begun by the UN, is a good means of providing relief as
well, yet needs the support of more nations to have a fully positive effect.
In turn, Libya encourages other nations to provide humanitarian aid, working with
developing nations closely. Libya understands that many nations have reservations about
allowing humanitarian workers within their borders. For a long period of time, Libya, too, was
hesitant to let foreigners enter its vast deserts and plains. However, it now allows U.S. citizens to
enter its borders, and no bad has come of this decision. In order to strengthen international
relations, each nation must truly weigh the benefits and drawbacks of allowing foreign workers to
assist its people. Most likely, countries will find that it is easier to unite in times of turmoil than to
refuse workers access to those who truly need assistance. Libya, seeing the horror that natural
disasters can cause, is open to the input of other nations, especially those in the EU. Cooperation
is the key to providing those whose lives have been struck by natural disasters repair and
renewal.