Since the overthrow of Gaddafi in 2011, Libya has been in political turmoil. Presently, the nation has 3 competing governments, the latest of which, the Government of National Accord (GNA), was formed in 2015 UN-brokered talks, in a failed attempt to create a single ruling government. This political disorder has disrupted oil production, creating a looming economic crisis.
The situation in Libya is a threat to both human security and international security. State capacity has disintegrated, allowing the state to become an arms and human trafficking hub and enabling thousands of migrants and refugees to transit through Libya. Additionally, the turmoil has presented an opportunity for ISIS to take hold of areas of territory and launch …show more content…
Despite a lack of any explicit mention of peacekeeping in the UN Charter, the powers given to the UNSC in Chapter VI of the Charter to take collective action to maintain international peace and security, have led the international system to look to the UNSC to authorise peacekeeping operations. As the UNSC has this primary responsibility, and has explicitly remained “seized of the matter”, any peacekeeping operation in Libya must be authorised by the UNSC. Peacekeeping is guided by three fundamental principles; impartiality, consent and non-use of force unless in self-defence or defence of the …show more content…
2.1. Replace UNSMIL with a second generation peacekeeping force.
This option includes both traditional peace monitoring tasks as well as civilian measures including election monitoring, human rights promotion and capacity building – seeking a political resolution and restoration of stability. The combination of both monitoring and civilian measures are essential in Libya, given the breakdown of state institutions.
A peacekeeping mission would arguably be more successful than USMIL in achieving the objectives, as peacekeepers provide a wider range of personnel with a broader skill set, under new leadership, and with a broader focus beyond politics. This would likely involve a larger contingent than the 200 strong UNSMIL, enhancing the scope of possible tasks but remaining at a lower monetary and personnel cost than the conservatorship