RISE WITH
HUMANITY
L I B Y A
Close in proximity to the Mediterranean Sea, Libya surprisingly has no rivers. However, there is sufficient water underground, lending to the country’s overall dry and arid climate. Libya’s discovery of oil in the mid 20th century sparked major value in the nation. Their possession of oil made them valuable and changed their status of being heavily dependent on aid from international affairs and British forces. This was a major turning point in history for Libya as a whole.
The country’s independent peaks have not lasted until present day. Through their ruling, Muammar Gaddafi, one of the top ten youngest state leaders in the 1900s, came to power. Much of his ruling was led with a direct democracy stance. Despite this, Libya pushed to stay as an authoritarian state with power being limited to exclusive members. After his death in 2011, Libya has continued to experience much political and economic unrest. The country today is still seeking wholesome unification among its residents.
The major language spoken in Libya is Arabic, with the majority of inhabitants being followers of Islam. Berbers, or Imazighen, a popular ethnic group in Libya, make up the majority of the country since the earliest times of settlement. Although Libya faces many issues today, they still accelerate in many leading issues among African countries altogether. Moving into the 2000s, Libya’s death rates declined significantly- even below the world average. Even today, the infant mortality rate is much lower than that in African countries. However, there are various crises still occurring at this moment, and attention is needed to improve the overall state in the nation!
HISTORICAL
BACKGROUND:
POLITICAL UNREST:
SLAVERY:
ACCESS TO GOODS/SERVICES:
Freedom, socialism, and unity: this was the motto which established the new Libyan African Republic several years ago. Libya was under the rule of Muammar Gaddafi for nearly 42 years, who was assassinated in 2011. Since then, the country has had an unstable operation. This same year the National Transitional Council was formed which served as the de facto government of Libya during and after the Libyan Civil War.
The broken government forces in Libya led to the second civil war in 2014. Until present day, this war continues in an effort to control the territory and massive oil remains. The repercussions of war have never been pleasant, as they have resulted in many further issues. Inhabitants fleeing to neighboring countries, economic instability, power outages, the decrease of available services, and more unfavorable circumstances have emerged as a result.
Libya’s location proves it to be a center point for many individuals trying to reach Europe via the Mediterranean Sea. Whether these individuals cross for trade purposes or seeking refuge, the dangerous circumstances which can take place are ones to take caution of. Along the way, many of these harmless individuals are smuggled into Libya and sold to perform slave work for low cost.
The lack of food and water, brutal mental and physical treatment, selling/reselling, fear of death, and the overall uncertainty of the future, is enough to call for necessary help in Libya.
Efforts have been set to alleviate the suffering in Libya, but more help is needed. Libya’s recent agreement with the European Union will allow for refugees to safely return to their homelands, whether this calls for a release of individuals from detention centers. The Libyan government seeks to open a center in which many refugees can be provided with adequate housing.
Due to a collapsing economy, an unstable government, and the cumulative crises in Libya, the link between individuals in need of resources and the fulfillment of these resources remains unaligned. As a result, the healthcare system faces constant threats of collapsing, and many individuals are in need of adequate medicine and healthcare services which they may not be able to afford. Along with this, many resources may simply not be available- resourceful staff, availability of doctors, effective medical equipment, etc.
From the spread of tetanus to HIV/AIDS to many more medical crises, Libya’s healthcare system has experienced much fluctuation. The resurgence of services that can be provided holds much potential, which can be increased with help!
