Libya

Support for Mine Action

Last updated: 26 October 2016

In 2015, Libya received US$6.8 million in international assistance from five donors.[1] The largest contributions were provided by the European Union (EU) and the United States (US), with a combined total of $6.2 million, representing 90% of total international assistance.

During 2014, all international demining operators as well as the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) had to withdraw from the country due to the deteriorating security situation. In January 2015, UNMAS estimated that since the escalation of violence in July 2014, an additional $30 million was required to address humanitarian mine action needs in Libya.[2]

International contributions: 2015[3]

Donor	Sector	Amount	Amount ($)
EU	Clearance and risk education	€4,265,150	4,732,610
US	Various	US$1,500,000	1,500,000
Switzerland	Risk education	CHF335,012	347,956
Netherlands	Risk education	€190,000	210,824
Germany	Capacity-support	€11,037	12,247
Total			6,803,637

In 2011–2013, international assistance averaged almost $19 million per year; funding of just $6.9 million in 2014 represents a 60% decrease from the previous year.

Summary of international contribution: 2011–2015[4]

Year	Amount ($)
2015	6,803,637
2014	6,932,956
2013	17,154,540
2012	20,729,462
2011	19,039,344
Total	70,659,939

[1] Germany, Mine Ban Treaty Article 7 Report, Form J, 4 April 2016; Netherlands, Convention on Cluster Munitions Article 7 Report, Form I, April 2016; Switzerland, Convention on Cluster Munitions Article 7 Report, Form I, 28 April 2016; and emails from Frank Meeussen, Disarmament, Non-Proliferation and Arms Export Control, European External Action Service, 30 September 2016; and from Katherine Baker, Foreign Affairs Officer, Weapons Removal and Abatement, US Department of State, 12 September 2016.

[2] UNMAS, “Programmes: Libya,” January 2015.

[3] Average exchange rate for 2015: €1=US$1.1096; CHF0.9628=US$1. US Federal Reserve, “List of Exchange Rates (Annual),” 4 January 2016.

[4] See previous Monitor reports.