Our Work

Overview

USAID is working with the Libyan people as they strive to build a democratic and prosperous future. USAID partners with the Libyan government to strengthen its ability to govern effectively and provide services to the Libyan people. USAID programs support civil society and media organizations in their efforts to inform the public about these processes and how they will affect their lives, build links between the government and its citizens, and promote justice and reconciliation. USAID is particularly focused on engaging marginalized populations, including youth, women and minorities, and increasing opportunities for their voices to be heard and their interests to be considered in decision-making that will shape Libya’s future.

Programs

Democratic Transition

USAID is committed to supporting Libyans as they navigate their democratic transition. In the lead up to Libya’s first election in more than four decades in July 2012, USAID provided technical assistance on elections management and voter education to the newly formed Libyan High National Election Commission. USAID also helped build the capacity of civil society to engage fellow citizens and decision makers on key issues. This support helped to facilitate a successful election viewed as credible by the Libyan people. USAID continues to support fair and effective electoral and political processes in Libya by strengthening the ability of the General National Congress and locally elected officials to fulfill their responsibilities and communicate with Libyan citizens. As the country moves toward the next milestone, the drafting of a new constitution, USAID is working with the government and civil society to ensure that the Libyan people are informed and engaged in the process.

In addition, to support national reconciliation in the wake of nearly 50 years of authoritarian rule, USAID is bringing together local council, religious, tribal and other community leaders to discuss how they can help their communities resolve long-standing conflicts, promote reconciliation, and move beyond violence to lay a framework for justice and reconciliation in Libya.

Justice and Security

USAID seeks to help Libyans mitigate and manage conflict by promoting better understanding among those involved in justice and civilian security at the local and national levels. USAID is working with Libyan partners in select communities to facilitate local dialogues that address justice and civilian security issues in their community. As a part of this effort, USAID is supporting Libyan efforts to understand and manage property-rights-related issues, a consistent flashpoint during such transitions.

Health

USAID has supported the wounded victims of the revolution since the fall of 2011. USAID helped lead U.S. government efforts to coordinate the medical evacuation of injured revolutionary fighters to the United States for treatment paid for by the Government of Libya. USAID also facilitated relationships between the Libyan Government and U.S.-based medical supply companies for the resupply of emergency medicines and medical equipment spare parts during the critical period just after the end of the revolution. This helped ensure Libya’s wounded warriors and other citizens had access to much-needed medical treatment.

USAID is providing management training aimed at improving rehabilitative services in Libya, specifically for Libyans wounded in the conflict. In addition, USAID is working with the Ministries to develop relationships with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and U.S.-based rehabilitation facilities.

Economic Development

The women's economic development program offers business-skills training, mentorship and networking opportunities to help women-managed small and medium enterprises start and grow. It will also offer small grants to support women-run businesses. In addition, USAID provides U.S.-based diaspora entrepreneurs with seed capital and technical assistance through a business plan competition to help start or expand businesses in Libya.

Humanitarian Assistance

In response to the complex emergency in Libya in 2011, USAID contributed nearly $29 million of the approximately $90 million in humanitarian assistance provided by the United States. USAID distributed emergency relief supplies to conflict-affected and vulnerable populations and provided emergency health and trauma kits. USAID also supported emergency health activities in Libya, in addition to supporting the World Health Organization emergency health response.