The Special Political and Decolonization Committee
Libya crisis
The Commonwealth of The Bahamas
Joshua Hay
Forest Hills Eastern
The country of Libya has been in a state of disaster, alternating between civil war and small periods of progress. Since the fall of their leader Muammar Gaddafi, Libya has not been able to regain a stable lead or government. The government of Libya is in crisis with the western half currently being led by a UN backed government out of Tripoli, the capital of Libya. The United Nations, however, has struggled to assert any strong control due to warring militias. The civil wars in 2011, and then in 2014, have left the country in peril, along with many of its inhabitants. Libyans are seeking refuge in European countries, aiming to escape the conflict for their own safety. Almost 60,000 displaced people must be relocated, but into the right nations. The Bahamas have a high crime rate and illegal immigration is common. There is the possibility that Libyans will illegally flee by boat and plane to the Bahamas. Although The Bahamian people wish for them to have refuge, logically they should be relocated into European nations. An agreement between European, Islamic and Libyan national forces is absolutely necessary.
Due to the mass distance between The Bahamas and Libya, the issue is not as pressing as to other countries. Libya has been in a state of total chaos, with its governments failing and its people suffering. The Bahamas stands with the United States on many topics relating to Libya. For example, the Bahamas stood with its ally and many other democratic and free countries to condemn the Libyan attack on the American Consulate in Libya which unfortunately led to the killing of the U.S. ambassador.The Bahamas chose to reiterate its commitments to freedom and democracy as pillars for an ordered and peaceful society. The Bahamas have so far taken no action to help, but instead have chosen to partner with the United States in protecting our borders from illegal immigration or refugees. Already, many of our own citizens are in fear due to the existential drug crisis. After Hurricane Dorion, the Bahamas have thousands of refugees needing to be relocated, and seek their own help. 4000 refugees have already fled to the U.S. As such, at this time the Bahamas can not take in any refugees from Libya. The Bahamians do not believe they can afford to help Libya personally, and seek to keep themselves protected and safe. However, they do believe that assistance is necessary for European nations in taking in refugees from Libya along with helping implement a new political settlement.
The Bahamas propose that the only way to resolve this crisis is through a dual party government. There shall be a voting congress consisting of islamic and Haftar’s forces. The United Nations must put efforts towards reaching an agreement with both sides in order to conserve the safety of the Libyan people. If no agreement can be reached, then the Bahamas is open to donating money to european countries in efforts to take in refugees and secure the safety of the Libyan people. The NGO Refugees International can help promote refugee intake in Europe and organize relocation.
- Joshua Hay
