The Hague International Model United Nations, Singapore 2015 | XI Annual Session
Forum:
Security Council
Issue:
The question of Libya
Student Officer: Ki Hoon Yoon
Position:
President
Introduction
The ongoing and deteriorating internal conflict within Libya is an ongoing issue which requires
imminent response and amicable negotiations. For several consecutive years, the clashing between
antagonistic parliaments has so exacerbated that now it involves not just neighboring nations. As the
tension incessantly arises, the conflict needs an urgent turning point. Key actors with a stake in Libya’s
future should take diplomatic and conciliatory actions in Geneva that points to a potential peaceful bail-out,
but at the same time to deal with partisan Libyan factions.
Libya’s militias have been fraying each other ever since the country was liberated from Muammar
Gaddafi in 2011. However, it was mid-2014 when the clashing has propagated and intensified when the
Islamists was defeated in parliamentary elections. Aerial bombardment and attacks on civilian
infrastructure have increased, hundreds of thousands of Libyans have died with millions of them being
non-combatants, and internally displaced persons and refugees have drastically increased from 100,000
to 400,000. The fledgling post-Gaddfi state is gradually falling - basic goods and fuel are in short supply;
civilians in some urban areas no longer have reliable access to communications or electricity. The Libyan
civilians are vulnerable under terrific bombardment and massacre that will eventually lead to bloody
pandemonium in the cities. Furthermore, Libya now confronts the likelihood of insolvency within the next
few years as a result of falling oil revenue and faltering economic governance, as militias contend for the
ultimate fruits - its oil infrastructure and financial institutions. As the tension deteriorated, the stance of the
antagonistic realms of power hardened, resulting even more severe casualties and destruction. Every
nation should now be thoroughly aware of the splashing ramification and be vigilant toward this growing
conflict, and further impose actions for the future of this fledgling yet boisterous nation.
Definition of Key Terms
Libya Dawn
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The term Libya Dawn or Libya Dawn Coalition refers to the militia groups or any political
campaigns/movements supporting the newly established General National Congress (GNC), comprised
mostly by the Muslim brotherhood’s Libyan party.
No-fly zone
No-fly zone (NFZ) is an area over which any aircrafts are prohibited to fly. No-fly zone is usually
set up in a military context which prohibits any intervention from any realms of power to operate over the
region. Aircraft that intrudes no-fly zone may be shot down, depending on the terms of the NFZ.
NATO
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is an intergovernmental military alliance which is
constituted of a system of collective defense which its member states concur to mutual against any
belligerent realms of power from external parties.
Operation Dignity
Operation Dignity is the forces that are launched with a large scale air and ground offensive by
General Haftar in May 2014. The forces were codenamed “Operation Dignity” against Islamist armed
groups in Benghazi and against the GNC in Tripoli.
United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973
The resolution on the issue of the situation of Libya was passed on the 17th of February 2011
which calls upon the implementation of military actions against the government of Libya. As in UNSC
Resolution 1970, this resolution condemns growing violation of human rights and further criticizes violence
committed by Libyan authorities against journalists
The resolution further refers to the arms embargo decided by Resolution 1970 and calls for
inspections of vessels and aircrafts to secure that no weapons are send to Libya. In addition it puts a ban
on flights of Libyan aircrafts or aircrafts transporting material to help Libyan authorities or those themselves
so they should not be able to fly through airspace or landing on airports of all member states implementing
this. Resolution 1973 further repeats the asset freezes already imposed by Resolution 1970 and creates
a new panel of experts, which should assist the Committee established by Resolution 1970, recommend
further actions to the UNSC and “gather, examine and analyze information” of member states and from
the conflict zone.
Responsibility to protect (R2P)
The so-called responsibility to protect policy was first implemented by the United Nations at the
2005 World Summit. R2P is solely under the context of protecting the country’s people, not bombing for
democracy or Gaddafi’s head. The precept of “responsibility to protect” (R2P) holds that when a sovereign
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state fails to defend any atrocities on its own, external parties may intervene to help stopping them.
However, the tenet of R2P has triggered bold suspicions of some critics - Human-rights advocates allege
it saves lives, while some skeptics see it as a potential incentive or excuse to conquer or to kill.
National Transitional Council
National Transitional Council is the political body formed to represent Libya by anti-Gaddafi forces
in the civil war. It was formed on 27 February 2011 and declared itself to be the "only legitimate body
representing the people of Libya and the Libyan state."
United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL)
UNSMIL is a United Nations mission adopted in Libya. Led by the Department of Political Affairs,
this mission is not a military intervention in Libya, but a political one which the main purpose is to help the
National Transitional Council recuperate the State of Law.
Background Information
First Libyan Civil War
It was not until 1969 military coup that notorious Muammar Abu Minyar al-Gaddafi commenced his
advocacy in political system, the “Third Universal Theory”, a combination of socialism and Islam derived
in part from tribal practices. In late 1987, Muammar al Gaddafi raised 1969 Revolution against the Sanussi
monarchy as a chief commander of the government and military. Application of his innovative and
revolutionary Arab-socialist philosophy to the Libyan parliament has resulted in palpable reforms in politics,
law and economy. With respect to the turmoil in several other Eastern and North African countries in late
2010, the uprisings of rebels had quickly spread to several of the Libyan cities by the beginning of 2011.
Later in the year, the UN Security Council has adopted Resolution 1973, demanding an immediate
ceasefire and authorized the international community to establish a no-fly zone over Libya.
Onset of the uprising
In February 2011, the population of Libya commenced defiance against the regime of
Muammar Gaddafi, whose leadership officially ended in 1977 yet ruled the country indirectly with
some of his influence remained in politics factions. The protest started when a human rights
campaigner was arrested and spread rapidly from Benghazi to other cities. Although the
demonstrations were clearly against the ruler of the merely nominal democracy, Gaddafi refused
to relinquish and his regime remained in control of the capital Tripoli. Using his military forces and
further security forces against protesters, plethora of innocent citizens died. In the following days,
soldiers refused to fire on rebels and changed sites. Brutal fights yet continued and both sides had
to report huge losses. The UN Security Council (UNSC) passed the first resolution on this issue on
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the 26th February of 2011 which criticizes the violation of fundamental human right and the death
of thousands of civilians, and further accentuates the Libyan authorities of their responsibility to
protect their population. The member states of the UNSC called for an immediate ceasefire and
further decide to upon an arms embargo, travel bans and asset freezes of Libyan authorities.
Second Libyan Civil War
Since the official end of the Libyan uprising on 23 October 2011, government was severely
regressed that recuperation seemed unfeasible. With rival militias skirmishing for control of different parts
of the country, Libya is in a state of war. Libya is in the midst of blood-shedding war due to its weakness
in balancing political factions and military groups. An alliance of Islamist militias and their allies from
Misrata, Libyan Dawn, successfully seized the capital, Tripoli.
The defeat of Islamists in parliamentary election was an incendiary inception of this ongoing war.
Rather than accepting the result, Islamists accused the new parliament of having dominated by supporters
of Muammar Gaddafi, battled the nationalists holding control of Tripoli. Regarding the force as stronger
than the government itself, Libya’s government has requested foreign arms to step in to stop further
clashing of the militias.
Rival parliaments and external parties
As the politics and security of Libya drove into turmoil, the neighboring nations and the
international community were rather galvanized by the destructive circumstances. The UN
Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon appointed Spanish diplomat Bernardino León as head of UNSMIL
(UN Support Mission in Libya). The United States and its allies further warned Arab countries not
to intervene into any affairs in Libya. On September 27th, the UN Security Council adopted a
resolution reinforcing the existing international sanctions to include people who involve in or
support any acts that threaten the stability or security of Libya, or hinder Libyan political transition,
and recognizing the Tubruq House of Representatives as the Libyan official legitimate parliament.
On 2014 September 29th, the two rival parties held talks in Ghadamis under UN patronage.
A cease-fire was suggested but unfortunately it was rejected by Libya Dawn. Egypt, vigilant toward
any potentially negative ramification on its own country, is closely monitoring the ongoing situation
in Libya. While United Arab Emirates has been suspected to have conducted several air raids in
Libya in August and September 2014.
Key Issues
Internal armed conflict causing humanitarian issues
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Conflicting rival parliaments have been carrying out a plethora of indiscriminate attacks, resulting
in numerous casualties and destruction to infrastructure. Operation Dignity forces carried out aerial
bombardment chiefly in Benghazi, Derna, Tripoli, Zuara, Bir al-Ghanem and Misratah, killing thousands of
innocuous civilians. What’s more, a large oil tank at al-Sider port was destroyed, demolishing about 1.8
million barrels of crude oil being; consecutive attacks have also devastated fundamental infrastructure for
economical governance.
Furthermore, violent clashing within residential areas resulted disruption to health care, chiefly in
Warshafana and Benghazi. Libya reported severe shortages of fuel, electricity, food and medicine,
resulting aggravating casualties within the country.
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), estimated that nearly 400,000 people
were internally displaced by the conflict. Some refugees were even hindered from evacuating the infighting
zones, which had again severely increased the casualties of innocuous civilians. Refugees had agonized
from displacement and militia attacks, and many even sought shelter in municipal parks and car parks.
Innocent civilians were harshly violated by armed forces on all sides, and abducted civilians were
only the medium to exchange secured prisoners. Some captured soldiers were subjected to summary
killings by all warring parties. Operation Dignity forces indiscriminately burned and demolished homes and
other property of perceived Islamists.
Women’s rights and asylum seekers
The corruption of judicial system and order caused women to suffer from ill-treatment and
segregation. Women were restricted and even sexually harassed. In addition, women are
discriminated from education – their status is miserably obscure. Some women activists were
even pressured to relinquish their vocation and public roles.
Libyan women also confront in personal matters, polygamy, prohibition to travel without a
male guardian, difficulty in voting and campaigning, and the inability to inherit their nationality to
their children.
Moreover, refugees traveling to Italy by overcrowded fishing boats spent weeks under
violence. Some were locked smugglers prior to departure and were harshly exploited and
abused. Some refugees were coerced to travel below deck in overheated engine rooms without
supply of water or proper ventilation, resulting death due to suffocation or intoxication with fumes.
Refugee infrastructure in Benghazi, Tripoli and many other regions of Libya has been severely
marred by the infighting.
Criticism upon military Intervention
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Libya has a great deposit of resources such as oil, and used to produce about 1.6 million barrels a
day before the conflict. Criticism rose fast that the United Nations acted so immediately in order to protect
their supply of oil and the price for it. In favor of this accusation speaks that the UN did not act so fast in
other conflicts such as the Côte d’Ivoire or the protests in Yemen.
Gareth Evans, an Australian policymaker, stated that “the international military intervention in Libya
is not about bombing for democracy or Muammar Gaddafi's head. Legally, morally, politically, and militarily
it has only one justification: protecting the country's people" and the actions taken in Libya were outlined
as an example of the responsibility to protect policy several innocent civilians were killed by NATO
airstrikes. In addition Russia and China criticized the UNSC Resolution 1973 clearly with saying that it is
ineffective and China’s representative once stated: “Dialogue and other peaceful means are the ultimate
solutions to problems. If military action brings disaster to civilians and causes a humanitarian crisis, then
it runs counter the purpose of the UN resolution”.
Furthermore, accusations also targeted on the way that the operation was steered. Michael
Kometer and Stephen Wright once stated that “the outcome of the Libyan intervention was reached by
default rather than by design”. The dearth of consistent political instruction was allegedly caused
particularly by the obscureness of the UN mandate and the indefinite consensus among the NATO coalition.
The lack of unequivocal political guidance resulted an incoherent military planning on the operational level,
negatively influencing future NATO's operations which is likely to confront trust issues.
Major Parties Involved and Their Views
United States of America and Western Bloc
Political relations between United States of America and Libya were extensively marred since the
2011 Libyan Civil War, when Gaddafi attempted to crush first protests, slaughtering hundreds of thousands
of innocent civilians.
In Libyan Civil War 2014, unlike that of 3 years ago, NATO and USA military intervention in Libya
is not likely. The clashing in Libya is continuously growing into a bloody “war”, resulting in skyrocketed
civilian casualties. NATO still has the power to intervene under the UN Security Council resolution of three
years ago, yet the party remains reluctant to get involved. According to the Pentagon and UK Ministry of
Defense, “peacekeeping” is rather a misnomer because any troop deployment into Libya will eventually
end in inevitable conflict. As neighbor countries’ involvement increase and its ramification extends in
Middle East, western politicians are also hesitating to step in.
However, what could flip the situation is when the conflict intensifies and regional realms of power
determine to commence an even larger-scale war. If such situation occurs, the United States and
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European powers are searching means to provide Libya’s legitimate government with weaponry, while
attempting to negotiate with the Islamists to re-adhere to democracy.
China and the Russia Federation
After the resolution 1973 passed, China strongly condemned the air strikes by NATO. China
accused the UN and its allies of breaking international laws, though China had refrained from directly
obstructing the UNSC decision that effectively authorized the air attacks. China further expressed the fear
of Libya becoming the resemblance of Afghanistan and Iraq, in which countries launched armed action
against sovereign countries.
However, some critics of international relations analyzed the neutrality of China as a means of
diversifying the crude oil supplies, for the supplies from Middle East and North America have reached a
maximum while China is seeking for new resources. And it is the reason why China strikes the balance of
accommodating and criticizing Western demands. By remaining dormant toward the passing of the
resolution of the Security Council, China calls involved Arab countries for prompt U.N. action.
Russian Federation, which had also abstained from the resolution 1973, requested Britain, France
and the United States to immediately cease the air strikes. However, as the air attack prolonged, China
appeared to choose sides from the neutrality between Gaddafi’s loyalists and rebels. China now claims
the country “respects the choice of the Libyan people” and wants “to play a positive role in rebuilding Libya”.
China seems to stand firmly on the most suitable position in the process of Libya reconstruction yet.
Middle East Bloc
Egypt and the United Arab Emirates could have stroke against Islamist targets in Libya at hand,
but virtually, the Saudis are taking a concerted stance. Horrified at the 2011 Arab Spring uprisings, which
resulted fledgling democracies in reshaping the geopolitical map of the Middle East, the Kingdom is rather
cooperative.
Moreover, The United States of America, a perpetual ally of Saudi’s, have aggravated over
disagreements about the democratic uprisings of the region. Some critics assume signs of a growing
axis between the Saudis, Sissi's Egypt and the Israeli government, political maneuvering which casts a
shadow on Libya’s pandemonium.
Timeline of Relevant Resolutions, Treaties and Events
Date
Description of event
February 26, 2011
First Resolution Passed
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The UN Security Council (UNSC) passed the first resolution on this issue on
the which mainly condemns the violation of fundamental human right and the
death of thousands of civilians, and further demonstrates the Libyan
authorities of their responsibility to protect their population
National Transitional Council born
February 27, 2011
Announced in the city of Benghazi on the 27th of February 2011, the council
stated itself as the only legitimate body representing Libya.
Resolution on no-fly zone passed
March 17, 2011
UNSC passed resolution of setting no-fly zone across Libya.
ICC warrants capture of Gaddafi
International Criminal Court (ICC) rejected the suggestion by Britain and
July 26, 2011
France that Gaddafi could be permitted to remain in Libya partially as
negotiated deal to pull him down from power, claiing that a new government
would be obligated to detain the dictator under warrants issued by the court.
October 20, 2011
May 16- 18, 2014
July 13, 2014
August 27, 2014
January 16 2015
Death of Muammar Gaddafi
General Haftar launched a large scale aerial and ground offensives
codenamed “Operation Dignity” against Islamist armed group.
Libya Dawn was launched to seize Tripoli International Airport from the Zintan
militia, eventually capturing it on August 23rd.
The UNSC unanimously approved resolution 2174 which requested an
immediate ceasefire and a conciliatory political dialogue.
Operation Dignity and Libya Dawn factions agreed on a ceasefire.
Relevant UN Treaties and Events

S/RES/2214 27 March 2015
This resolution was a Security Council Resolution that targeted on the endeavour of counterterrorism.

S/RES/2213 27 March 2015
This Security Council Resolution renovated UNSMIL and the 1970 Libya Panel of Experts.

S/RES/2208 5 March 2015
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The Security Council resolution on a technical rollover of UNSMIL and vessels transporting crude
oil illegally exported from Libya until 31 March.
Evaluation of Previous Attempts to Resolve the Issue
The Security Council had concerned the situation in Libyan Arab Jamahiriya and criticized the
harsh violence toward Libyan civilians. It also urged states to take serious consideration on the issue of
Libya. On the issue that Libyan authorities violated the human rights of Libyan civilians with armed force,
the Security Council passed two resolutions to deal with the deteriorating circumstances.
Moreover, member states decided to refer the situation to the Prosecutor of International Criminal
Court (ICC) for further investigation in resolution 1970. Details of arms embargo were brought up, including
prohibiting several kinds of arms from being imported into Libya and prohibiting Libya from exporting
weapons out of its territory. As the civil war intensified, the Libyan government had tried to retrieve land
occupied by the rebel army. However, unfortunately, the attacks even further aggravated the situation,
escalated in degree of violence and caused greater civilian casualties. The Security Council later passed
Resolution 1973 in which 10 states voted for and 5 states abstained.
Furthermore, in Resolution 1973, besides the arms embargo, travel ban and asset freezes were
demonstrated once more. This was the second time the Security Council designated a no-fly zone in Libya.
The no-fly zone established a taboo on all flights in the airspace of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya under the
purpose of securing civilians, except for the aircraft whose sole purpose were of humanitarian objectives
With the rebels proceeding toward some important cities, the UK and France air forces continuously
bomb crucial assets in those cities under the control of the Libyan government, under the mandate of
Resolution 1970 and 1973. UK and France represent NATO in the enforcement of the UNSC resolution.
Starting from March 31st, and proposed to the end of September, NATO occasionally also dropped food
supplies, flyers for propaganda, and light weapons to the rebels. And rebels took control of some major
cities thanks to the aid provided by NATO. However, the military actions of NATO caused some major
controversy in international related talks. Some argued NATO mistook SC Resolutions, while some
accused NATO of wounding thousands of civilians.
Possible Solutions
First of all, the way to approach the conflict should be altered. The question, should no longer be
which realm of power, the House of Representatives or the General National Congress, is more legitimate
or what legal claims can be exploited to advocate that legitimacy. An international approach that deems
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the House of Representatives as more legitimate can instigate GNC’s suspicion that the international
community attempts to marginalize or even exterminate the forces that see themselves as revolutionary.
Moreover, Libya needs a conciliatory political bargain that steer toward that goal. External actors
should suggest both sides’ incentives for participation and make clear that there will be punishment or
repercussions for those who further instigate the conflict. Imminent actions should be taken to debilitate
the weaponry trade in the country and hinder either parliament from obtaining biased support from outside
parties. It’s nations’ priority to consider civilians’ security and to remain in rapprochement manner. Few
solutions have been suggested:

Reproaching actors who are involve in providing weaponry to further encourage the armed
conflict within Libya. Military intervention under counter-terrorism excuse, as requested by
Egypt, would only torpedo the political process, thus should be opposed. External actors who
strive to support conciliatory negotiations or dialogue, notably Algeria and Tunisia, should be
encouraged and cooperated.

Approach the solutions with impartial and conciliatory manner. Any implementation of policies
should not induce civilians to be situated under risks. Parliaments should refrain from supporting
military intervention to combat the Islamic States (IS), which merely results further casualties.
The General National Congress and its supporters should strongly denounce IS actions, and
the House Of Representatives should cease politicizing such parties.

Parliaments should remain neutral and amiable in the administration of financial and petroleum
infrastructures as they are the major stake that can lead to larger-scale conflict: the Central
Bank of Libya (CBL), the National Oil Company (NOC) and the Libyan Investment Authority
(LIA).
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