The Libyan women trained by UNMAS organized the first National Day on SALW on 16 December 2017 in Libya where they raised awareness on small arms and light weapons risks and control measures through risk education sessions, distribution of risk awareness material, radio channel program. Photo: UNMAS Years of fighting between rival groups have resulted in significant contamination from Explosive Remnants of War in numerous cities across Libya, threatening the lives of local communities. Photo: Free Fields Foundation/GCS In preparation for the destruction of 200 tons of Explosive Remnants of War (ERW), UNMAS Libya, in coordination with the Libyan Mine Action Centre (LibMAC) and in partnership with The Free Fields Foundation and Global Clearance Solutions, carried out an ERW site assessment to determine the existing contamination of areas within the Ammunition Storage Area in Misrata. UNMAS also conducts capacity development of national actors to conduct disposal activities. Photo: Free Fields Foundation/GCS UNMAS is supporting Libyan authorities to dispose of Explosive Remnants of War stockpiles in Misrata. Over several phases 400 tons of ordnance which have been endangering the lives of Misratan communities, and of the wider Libyan population, were destroyed. The reduction of the ERW threat extends beyond Misrata, as unsecured explosive ordnance leads to looting, proliferation of weapons and unplanned explosions threatening the civilian population. Photo: DDG/Free Fields Foundation With the support of UNMAS, Free Fields Foundation, a National Mine Action NGO partner trained 13 male and female volunteers from IDP camps in Ajdabiya, Brega, and Benghazi to deliver Risk Education to their communities for the anticipated return to Tawergha. Photo: Free Fields Foundation UNMAS co-organized a workshop on Victim Assistance (VA) in the context of injuries and disability from landmines, explosive remnants of war and improvised explosive devices. Photo: UNMAS/Jakob Donatz Participants of the VA workshop held in Tripoli in March 2019. Photo: UNMAS/Jakob Donatz UNMAS partner Free Fields Foundation conducting reconnaissance in preparation of ERW removal in Tawergha. UNMAS is us funding Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) spot task clearance and Risk Education sessions for IDPs in preparation for the anticipated return to the city. Photo: Free Fields Foundation Since the fall of the Gaddafi regime in 2011, Libya has suffered from the proliferation and widespread availability of small arms and light weapons (SALW). In response, UNMAS Libya has created a network of trained Libyan women to become agents of change in their communities. Between 2015 and 2017, the participants were engaged in 4 educational workshops and developed risk awareness messages, which they delivered on a voluntary basis in their communities. Photo: UNSMIL/Abel Kavanah With the help of UNMAS Libya, the network developed a public information campaign to raise awareness of the threat of small arms and light weapons. Thanks to the generous support of the Governments of Switzerland and Italy, brochures, billboards and posters are currently displayed in Tripoli, Misrata, Benghazi, and Sabha with the messages “Education is my weapon” and “Imagine Libya without weapons – Storing arms and ammunition inside the house is a threat to all family members, especially women and kids.” Photo: UNMAS NATO bombing of ammunition bunkers and internal fighting in the years that followed the fall of the Gaddhafi regime have left large areas near the town of Mezdah massively contaminated by Explosive Remnants of War. Photo: UNMAS UNMAS Operations Quality Assurance Officer inspecting Explosive Remnants of War collected by the National Safety Authority. At the request of the Libyan Mine Action Centre, UNMAS conducted a visit to Mezdah to carry out an initial assessment of the situation on the ground. Photo: UNMAS Explosive remnants of war lead to devastating humanitarian consequences, causing injury, death and massive displacement of civilians across Libya. UNMAS is committed to strengthening the ability of Libyan National Security Institutions to remove the deadly items left behind by armed conflict, to ensure greater access to basic services and humanitarian assistance for people in need. In the longer-term, such activities will enable and facilitate stabilization and development initiatives for Libya. Photo: UNMAS
