AHMED UZAIR
Libyan Arab Jamahiriya
Social, Cultural and Humanitarian

International refugee crisis

The Libyan Arab Jamahiriya believes that the human refugee crisis has been a long-standing issue. Despite all the efforts it is one of the most pressing issues concerning the world today. The effect of this problem is far-reaching and therefore requires immediate action.
In Islamic Shari’a refugees are guaranteed protection. Once protection is granted, the foreigner becomes a ‘musta’min’ (a protected person). The principle of granting protection to refugees is in our heritage. Islam therefore recognizes in its own precepts the principle of non-refoulement, which represents the cornerstone of modern-day international refugee law. This is further supported by the fact that 38 per cent of the world’s total refugees; Muslim countries host some 16.9 million .
The Libyan Arab Jamahiriya has signed and ratified the Organization of African Unity (OAU) Convention on specific aspects of refugee problems in Africa, which provides a broad definition and a legal basis for refugee protection, as well as an obligation to co-operate with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). We have also ratified the international convention on the protection of the Rights of all Migrants Workers and Member of their Families (2004)
We believe that primary responsibility for providing protection to refugees lies with states, notably the country in which the individual has sought asylum.
Origins of major refugee population are from mainly Afghanistan (2,481,000 app.) Burundi (574,000), Sudan, Angola, Somalia, Democratic republic of Congo, Iraq, Eritrea etc.
The problem has risen from
Ø Chronic poverty i.e. droughts and food shortages in the originating regions
Ø Lack of respect of fundamental human rights in the originating regions
Ø Civil war in neighboring countries
Ø Libyan open door policy
Ø Libyan proximity to Europe
Ø Better protection in our country
Ø Better economic opportunities
Libya proposes following steps to the problem:

Ø People in the host countries should understand the problems faced by refugees. I.e. build awareness
Ø Procedure for determining the eligibility of asylum should be fair and comprehensive
Ø Asylum seeking should be encouraged rather then deterred.
Ø If there is any risk of Human right violation then the refugees should not be forced to go back their originating regions
Ø Responsibility sharing can be very helpful in achieving the immediate goals
Ø All host nations should accept their responsibilities
Ø Human Right standard should be kept in mind while making a repartition programs
Ø IDP should be given consideration as well
1. http://www.oic-oci.org/english/conventions/refugees-conf.htm
2. http://www.oic-oci.org/english/conventions/refugees-conf.htm
3. COUNTRY OPERATIONS PLAN: Libya UNHCR 2005