Morocco and Libya: UN scales up support for disaster relief

person sitting in front bookshelf — Photo by Sam McGhee on Unsplash

VIENNA 15 September 2023 – On the International Day of Democracy, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Teresa Ribeiro, underscores the mutually reinforcing nature of democracy, the rule of law, and media freedom. “Advancing and sustaining democratic, resilient, and inclusive societies requires a steadfast commitment to media freedom,” says Teresa Ribeiro.

In the 2023 Joint Declaration on Media Freedom and Democracy, Ribeiro, along with the other global free speech mandate holders, emphasizes the media’s pivotal role in delivering trustworthy news and fostering informed public discourse. This, in turn, cultivates a well-informed and active citizenry. “The media serve as vigilant watchdogs, holding those in power accountable through thorough investigations and reporting on matters of public interest. By doing this, they play an integral role in bolstering democratic processes and institutions,” Ribeiro asserts.

“Conversely, a decline in media freedom undermines both democratic safeguards and the protection of human rights. Over the past decade, we have undeniably witnessed this interconnection, which has been a contributing factor in the emergence of conflicts.” This year’s International Day of Democracy, focused on conflict prevention, underscores the urgent need to nurture human rights and democratic values as a means to mitigate and resolve the risks of conflict.

“Access to reliable, diverse, and public-interest information is essential at all times. By verifying information, empowering individuals, and fostering reconciliation, pluralistic and independent media serve a foundational role in upholding democratic principles and preventing conflict,” Ribeiro says. “The weaponization of information by autocratic forces for spreading hate speech and propaganda, especially propaganda for war, has no place in democracy. On the contrary, independent quality media are needed to counter the deeply disturbing trends of authoritarianism, co-optation of public power, and backsliding on human rights.”

“On this Democracy Day, I urge all States to renew their commitment to fostering an environment conducive to media freedom, recognizing it as a key pillar for both conflict prevention and the global advancement of democracy,” says Ribeiro.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. She provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.

Iran: Harassment, reprisals continue for Mahsa Amini’s family

By

-

15 September 2023

Iran: Harassment, reprisals continue for Mahsa Amini’s family

Twenty-two-year-old Jina Mahsa Amini was arrested and forced into a van by Iran’s so called “morality police” in the capital Tehran on 13 September last year. Authorities alleged she was not in conformity with the country’s strict laws on mandatory veiling.

She died on 16 September reportedly after suffering a heart attack. Her family, however, denied she had any heart issues and alleged she was tortured.

Table of Contents

Failure to ensure justice

A Government probe into the death fell “far short” of international standards, including the requirements of independence and transparency, the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran said in a news release.

“Jina Mahsa should never have been arrested in the first place,” said Sara Hossain, Chair of the Human Rights Council-appointed mission, adding that since then, the Government has “failed to ensure truth, justice and reparations to her family, or to families of other victims, women, girls and all protesters who have been subjected to violations of fundamental human rights.”

“Instead, the Islamic Republic is doubling down on repression and reprisals against its citizens and seeking to introduce new and more draconian laws that severely restrict further the rights of women and girls.”

Family intimated

The independent panel also reported that Mahsa Amini’s father and uncle were arrested around 10 days ago by security forces in their hometown Saqqez, and their whereabouts “remain unknown”.

Her grave was also reportedly desecrated, and family members prevented from mourning. The family’s lawyer and journalists covering her case have also been harassed.

Groundswell of protests

Ms. Amini’s death sparked a wave of protests throughout the country.

The fact-finding team also said it is now investigating allegations that the State responded to the protests with unnecessary and disproportionate force, arbitrary arrests and detentions, unfair trials, extra-judicial executions and harassment of family members of victims.

Such acts “continue until today”, it added.

Authorities are exacerbating punitive measures against those exercising their fundamental rights, including freedom of religion, freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, according to the independent panel.

Increased risks for women

The Fact-Finding Mission also said that a draft bill, currently under consideration by the Parliament – if passed – would expose women and girls to increased risks of violence, harassment and arbitrary detention.

The legislation proposes increased fines and prison terms for women and girls found in breach of mandatory veiling provisions, as well as harsher punishments including travel bans, the denial of education and medical care and sanctions against businesses.

Call for cooperation

The Fact-Finding Mission called on the Government to fully cooperate with its investigations and ensure that all those affected have unhindered and safe access to providing evidence, including referral of their cases.

The Government has until now not responded to repeated requests for information, the independent body added, noting that it will present a comprehensive report on its findings to the Human Rights Council during an interactive dialogue at its 55th session in March 2024.

The Fact-Finding Mission

The Fact-Finding Mission was mandated by the UN Human Rights Council to investigate alleged human rights violations in Iran related to the protests that began there on 16 September 2022, especially with respect to women and children.

The panel is composed of independent members Sara Hossain of Bangladesh (Chair), Shaheen Sardar Ali of Pakistan and Viviana Krsticevic of Argentina.

They are not UN staff members and serve in an independent capacity.

‘Thriving economies’ critical to eradicating hunger and poverty: McCain

By

-

15 September 2023

‘Thriving economies’ critical to eradicating hunger and poverty: McCain

Addressing the Security Council on Thursday, the head of the World Food Programme (WFP), Cindy McCain, highlighted the growing need for humanitarian aid worldwide against a backdrop of reduced funding.

She called for innovative public-private sector partnerships to respond to tomorrow’s crises.

“I come from the private sector myself,” said WFP‘s Executive Director, at the start of a debate on the role of partnerships in humanitarian aid, initiated by Albania, which holds the Council’s rotating presidency for September.

“Thriving businesses and flourishing economies are the critical engines that will power global efforts to eradicate hunger and poverty, and strengthen international peace and security”, said Ms. McCain.

The widow of former Senator and presidential candidate John McCain, she has been an active philanthropist for many years, and heir to one of the largest privately held companies in her home state of Arizona.

Table of Contents

Growth industry

“Sadly, today the humanitarian sector is one of the world’s biggest growth industries,” the WFP chief said.

“War, economic turmoil, and increasingly, climate change and environmental degradation – are driving millions of people into poverty and despair each year.”

Recalling that nearly 783 million people live in deep food insecurity, and 47 million of them in 50 countries, are on the brink of famine – while 45 million children under five suffer from acute malnutrition – Ms. McCain was pessimistic about the humanitarian crises ahead.

No respite

“I wish I could tell Council members that the surging hunger seen in many parts of the world stems from one-off causes and will reduce as circumstances change”, she said.

“But it won’t. We are now living with a series of concurrent and long-term crises that will continue to fuel humanitarian needs. And this is happening just as funding for humanitarian relief operations is drying up.”

She said even WFP had to make “the agonizing choice to cut food rations for millions”.

“This is our new normal,” she added, “and we will be dealing with the fallout in the years to come.”

‘New models’

Rather than resign herself to “powerlessness” the WFP chief called for greater use of the private sector, which has over 200 years helped reduce global poverty through the power of private enterprise.

She said the time has come, in the face of the new realities and budget cuts, to “rethink how we engage and find new models” of partnership.

The WFP chief said a new and more effective collaboration would be of benefit to all.

“Reducing poverty and hunger is a necessary precondition for healthy workforces, functioning markets, and sustainable economic growth and prosperity. When people and communities thrive, so do businesses.”

UN launches flash appeal to aid 250,000 Libyans hit by devastating floods

By

-

15 September 2023

UN launches flash appeal to aid 250,000 Libyans hit by devastating floods

UN humanitarians are working flat out on the ground in Libya, providing desperately needed aid to thousands of survivors of the flood disaster that has left thousands dead and thousands more unaccounted for.

Alp Services behind a vast campaign of denunciation in France and Belgium, the shadow of the United Arab Emirates

By

Yannick Ferruzca

-

14 September 2023

a view of a city with tall buildings — Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash

Last March, an article entitled “The dirty secrets of a Smear campaign” appeared in the well-known American media outlet The New Yorker, providing a little more insight into Abu Dhabi’s all-out strategy for eliminating its enemies. In it, David D. Kirkpatrick reveals how a Swiss company, Alp Services, run by the famous Mario Brero, who is well known in Geneva, worked for Mohamed Ben Zayed in order to harm Qatar and anyone else who attacked the Emirates. Among the ideological tools used to do this was the dissemination of fake news and preconceived ideas designed to harm Doha: in particular, accusing Qatar of supporting radical Islam, and in particular the Muslim Brotherhood, which, with the support of the small Emirate, is seeking to gain a foothold throughout Europe.

For several years now, a war of influence has been waged between Qatar, the Emirates and Saudi Arabia on the Old Continent. France is a prime target: the hexagon is a privileged political, economic, military and energy partner. Influence is exerted through the media. For example, with the support of Alp Services, Mohamed Ben Zayed has been doing everything in his power for years to influence newspapers and defend his political agenda in French editorial columns. False accounts, crooked journalists, tainted media, hundreds of articles have been published to defend a vision, Abu Dhabi’s vision of the Middle East and above all against Qatar, its main competitor for wealth.

According to the American media outlet The New Yorker, the Africa Intelligence website is a perfect example. It was indeed in the service of Alp Services. In addition to the espionage, tracking and burglaries set up by the company, the distribution of false information in media of convenience was part of the deal. Brero was to publish around a hundred articles a year in the media in favour of the Emirates. But beyond Africa Intelligence, other sites were targeted: for example, a certain Tany Klein maintained a false account on Mediapart and published articles in this vein. Africa Intelligence describes itself on its website as “the daily newspaper of the continent”. The site is part of the Indigo group, just like La Lettre A and Intelligence online. All the events are taking place in 2019, as is this operation: the Gulf crisis is in full swing in 2019, pitting Saudi Arabia and the Emirates against Qatar.

Alp Services finally produced a file containing several lists of French and Belgian nationals who, according to them, were reputed to be working for Qatar or to be members of the Muslim Brotherhood, or in any case to be fervent detractors of the Emirati confederation. At the beginning of July, a vast European consortium (European Investigative Collaboration) published several articles explaining the workings of Mario Bréro’s operation: 160 Belgians had been “handed over to the Emirati secret services”. Among them were researchers (Michaël Privot, Sébastien Boussois), representatives of associations (Fatimah Zibouh), and even ministers, such as the Belgian green minister Zakia Kattabi, who was not only accused of being close to the Muslim Brotherhood and Qatar but also denounced as a Shiite! Many of them have lodged complaints of slander and invasion of privacy. For the moment, all the spotlight is on Mario Brero and Alp Services, but the methods are not very elegant and are already being traced back to the Al Ariaf centre, which is allegedly being used as a cover by the Emirati government and in particular a certain ‘Matar’, the Emirati agent in charge of steering Alp Services’ operations in Europe.

There is talk of nearly 160 people in Belgium being put on file, but 200 in France and no fewer than 1,000 people in all in Europe considered to be enemies of Abu Dhabi.

Namur, the capital of Wallonia: a mix of tradition and dynamism

By

NewsdeskTET

-

14 September 2023

Namur, the capital of Wallonia: a mix of tradition and dynamism

Located in the heart of Wallonia, Namur is a city that harmoniously combines tradition and modernity. With its rich historical heritage, vibrant culture and economic dynamism, Namur is an essential destination for lovers of history, nature and gastronomy.

Namur is above all a city steeped in history. Its historic center is full of magnificent buildings dating from the Middle Ages, such as the Namur citadel, which offers breathtaking views of the city and the Meuse. Built in the 18th century, this imposing fortress is a true architectural gem. History lovers will also be seduced by the Saint-Aubain Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, as well as the town hall, a 17th century building which today houses the Archaeological Museum of Namur.

But Namur is not limited to its glorious past. The city is also a major economic hub in Wallonia, with many innovative industries and companies. Thanks to its strategic geographical location, Namur benefits from exceptional connectivity, making it an attractive location for entrepreneurs and investors. The city also has an environment conducive to innovation, with internationally renowned research centers and a quality university.

Namur is also renowned for its dynamic cultural life. The city is home to numerous festivals and events throughout the year, showcasing art, music and film. The Namur international French-speaking film festival, for example, is an unmissable event for cinema lovers. The city’s museums also offer varied exhibitions, ranging from contemporary art to local history.

But Namur is also a city where life is good. The people of Namur are renowned for their friendliness and sense of welcome. The cobbled streets of the city center are full of cafes, bars and restaurants where it is pleasant to relax and taste the local specialties. Namur cuisine is rich and varied, with typical dishes such as “Boulette à la Liégeoise” or “Ardennes ham”. Local markets are also an excellent opportunity to discover local products, such as cheeses, cold meats and craft beers.

Finally, Namur is surrounded by generous nature. The region offers many opportunities for walks and hikes, particularly along the Meuse or in the green valleys of the Ardennes. Outdoor sports enthusiasts will be delighted by the activities available, such as kayaking, climbing or mountain biking.

In conclusion, Namur is a city that will appeal to all visitors looking for tradition and dynamism. Its historical heritage, its vibrant cultural life, its thriving economy and its surrounding nature make it a unique place where it is good to live and visit. Whether you are a history, gastronomy, nature or culture lover, Namur offers an unforgettable experience.

Originally published at Almouwatin.com

Russia’s criminal bombing of the Odesa Cathedral: Assessing the damages

By

Newsdesk

-

14 September 2023

An interview with Architect Volodymyr Meshcheriakov, who led the rebuilding of the historical church in 2000–2010, destroyed by Stalin in the 1930s

By Dr Ievgeniia Gidulianova

Bitter Winter (14.09.2023) – In August 2023, less than a month after Russia’s missile heavily damaged the Transfiguration Cathedral of Odesa, Architect Volodymyr Meshcheriakov (*) was in the Ukrainian seaport to assess the damage of the Russian strike.

Meshcheriakov is a personality whose name is directly connected with the history of the reconstruction of the Odesa Cathedral of the Transfiguration of the Savior, which was completely destroyed during the time of Stalin.

In 1999, a group of architects under his leadership was the laureate of the national call for projects for the reconstruction of the Odesa Cathedral of the Transfiguration of the Savior. The cathedral was rebuilt in 2000-2010 on the basis of his project and he was then awarded the State Prize of Ukraine in the field of architecture for the reconstruction of the Odesa Cathedral. He is also the author of a monograph on this topic.

Table of Contents

The interview

Q.: From your professional point of view, how do you assess the extent of the destruction caused to the Transfiguration Cathedral as a result of the Russian missile shelling on Odesa on the night of 23 July 2023?

Volodymyr Meshcheriakov: The rocket passed vertically through the roof above the right altar, destroying the floor of the cathedral and two underground reinforced concrete floors of the lower part of the Сathedral. The walls of this part of the building were significantly damaged. More than 70% of the roof structures and copper covering of the Cathedral were completely destroyed or damaged by shrapnel and the blast wave. Almost all the copper coating of the roof of the cathedral is subject to dismantling and restoration. The artistic decoration of the premises of the upper part of the building was almost completely destroyed. All iconostases were also thoroughly destroyed – the marble one and the two side ones. The marble flooring was significantly damaged by rocket fragments.

Q.: How much do you think it will cost to completely restore the Odesa Cathedral of the Transfiguration of the Savior?

Volodymyr Meshcheriakov: The exact amount required for the complete restoration of the Cathedral can only be determined on the basis of the development of a scientific study, design and estimate documentation for the needed work. Preparation of documentation for a detailed survey, dismantling and restoring the damaged structures, architectural and artistic decoration inside and outside of the Cathedral is a big job that can take several years. So far, the development of such documentation according to my information is not underway, the proposals for such work and sources of funding have not been identified.

I am a forensic expert at the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine and I believe that one of the elements of documentation for the restoration of the Cathedral and other destroyed objects should be a forensic report with conclusions and the amount of damage. In my opinion, this amount may be equivalent to 5 million dollars. The amount needed for the restoration of the Cathedral in its original form can be brought in court for compensation to the aggressor country.

Q.: How long can it take to achieve the restoration?

Volodymyr Meshcheriakov: I think that after identifying the sources of financing, the donors and the rebuilding companies, it will take 5 to 10 years of intensive and qualified work to completely restore the Cathedral. Now, first of all, it is necessary to inspect the cathedral and prepare design estimates for restoration.

The cathedral was built and reconstructed in stages over more than a hundred years. The Cathedral Square was designated in 1794 on the first plan of Odesa drawn up by the Dutch military engineer Franz De Volan. After the last reconstruction in 1900-1903, it accommodated up to 12,000 people and was the largest church building in the south of Ukraine, the center of spiritual life for Odesa residents.

In 1936, the Odesa Cathedral of the Transfiguration of the Savior was robbed and destroyed by the Soviet authorities, like many other churches in the USSR.

In 1991, I began collecting original data and other information about the Cathedral, and in 1993, under my leadership, the first project to reconstruct this outstanding lost cultural heritage site of Ukraine was completed.

In 1999 our project to rebuild the Cathedral won a national competition and we continued to further develop the project. The cathedral was built in three stages, starting in 2000. In 2007, it was put into operation, received the status of a historical monument of local significance in Ukraine and was solemnly consecrated in 2010. Construction, decorative and artistic work continued for more than 10 years without the use of public funds, exclusively on donations from citizens, enterprises and various other organizations. The Black Sea Orthodox Fund was created in Odesa to collect funds and donations for the design, construction and artistic decoration of the Cathedral.

Q.: Are any works already underway related to urgent measures aimed at preserving and protecting the cathedral as an object of cultural heritage of Ukraine from further destruction?

Volodymyr Meshcheriakov: At the moment, thanks to the efforts of citizens, the rubble of fragments of destroyed structures and the interior of the Cathedral has been cleared. The main thing now is the installation of temporary covering before the autumn-winter period, protecting the interiors from rain and snow. Work in this direction is proactively underway , but they are insufficient in my opinion.

All forces and means of Ukraine are now aimed at ensuring the Ukrainian army for victory over the terrible aggressor – Putin’s Russia. Also, first of all, Ukrainian citizens whose homes have been destroyed need financial support. The Cathedral building is owned by the Odesa Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), which also helps refugees and does not have such significant funds for the restoration of the Transfiguration Cathedral.

Q. Who in Ukraine promised to contribute to the reconstruction? What is the amount of their promised contribution?

Volodymyr Meshcheriakov: Odesa Cathedral in 1999 was included in the State Program for the Reconstruction of the Outstanding Lost Cultural Heritage Sites of Ukraine, which provides for the allocation of funding for all work but no funding for this project was ever allocated. The Black Sea Orthodox Fund has been opened to collect funds for the restoration of the cathedral. To date, I have no information about the Ukrainians who volunteered to finance the restoration of the Cathedral destroyed by the Russian missile attack.

Q. Have the city authorities of Odesa approached you with an offer to take part in the restoration of the Odesa Transfiguration Cathedral?

Volodymyr Meshcheriakov: No, they didn’t contact me. As the head of the team of designers of the rebuilt Cathedral, I consider it necessary to make visible for present and future generations the fact that the Odesa Shrine was destroyed by a Russian missile. To this end, the restoration project should include a provision mentioning the origin of the destruction on the main damaged walls outside the cathedral and inside. To do this, in a future restoration project, cracks in the damaged walls outside and inside the Cathedral should be recorded and revealed in red. Such a decision will visually immortalize the strike of a Russian missile on the Odesa Cathedral. The recorded and highlighted destruction of this part of the cathedral can become one of the memorial sites of Ukraine in memory of the military aggression of Putin’s Russia.

Who is Volodymyr Meshcheriakov:

Volodymyr Meshcheriakov is a Ph.D Arch, Ass. Prof., Laureate of the State Prize of Ukraine in the field of architecture in 2010 for the reconstruction of the Odesa Transfiguration Cathedral, Member of the Ukrainian Committee of ICOMOS, Chairman of the Odesa regional branch of the Architectural Chamber of the National Union of Architects of Ukraine. Forensic expert of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine. Research Fellow on the British Academy’s Researchers at Risk Programme and Visiting Scholar Trinity College, University of Cambridge.

Author of two monographs and more than 70 scientific publications, articles, theses in the field of architecture and protection of cultural heritage.

Turning Disaster into Hope, The 9/11 Catalyst for Scientology’s Global Humanitarian Reach

By

Newsdesk

-

14 September 2023

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM, September 14, 2023/EINPresswire.com/ — The cataclysmic aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attack was a pivotal moment for Volunteer Ministers, underscoring that regardless of the severity of the situation, “Something can be done about it.”

As we commemorate the anniversary of 9/11, Scientology Volunteer Ministers reflect on this day as a watershed moment for their movement. This tragic event spurred the mobilization of individuals who are now serving at every major disaster worldwide. Currently, Volunteer Ministers are making a difference on the ground, aiding victims of the earthquake in Morocco and those uprooted by the severe floods in Greece and Italy. The selfless aid provided by thousands of Volunteer Ministers every day is driven by the example set by the volunteers who served at the World Trade Center.

Over 800 Scientology Volunteer Ministers were on the scene at the World Trade Center following the terrorist strikes.

The New York Times reported, “More than 100 Volunteer Ministers from the Church of Scientology are present at any given time around the remnants of the World Trade Center. On the day of the attack, they brought food for the workers… When rescue workers emerge from the debris, the ministers, identifiable by their T-shirts, attempt to refocus the workers’ minds and reenergize their bodies.”

A New York Police Chief expressed his gratitude, stating, “The Volunteer Ministers displayed remarkable energy and compassion at Ground Zero, helping alleviate the physical burdens and mental pressures of the rescue workers. The organization, care, and commitment of your Volunteer Ministers were outstanding, greatly appreciated, and will be remembered by those who received their assistance.”

The leader of one rescue team noted, “There are many highly stressed, fatigued, worn-out rescue personnel here, and your efforts to help them manage their issues, cope with their emotional distress, and find some peace and rest have been extremely productive and worthwhile.”

In the wake of the attack, more than 800 Scientology Volunteer Ministers were deployed. They arrived from all corners of the country and abroad, providing support to emergency workers. Their involvement spanned the entire eight-month rescue and recovery operation.

Following the terror attacks, Scientology ecclesiastical leader Mr David Miscavige issued The Wake-Up Call, a directive disseminated to Scientologists globally. As its title suggests, it urged Scientologists to take this event to heart.

A direct consequence was the swift expansion of the Scientology Volunteer Ministers movement, primed to respond to disasters, regardless of their scale. Whether they are assisting at the sites of natural and man-made disasters or addressing the needs of their neighbours and communities, the bright yellow T-shirt of the Volunteer Ministers has become a beacon of help.

Initiated by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard in 1973 and supported by the Church of Scientology International, the Scientology Volunteer Minister program now has hundreds of thousands of individuals trained as Volunteer Ministers across 185 countries.

Their creed: “A Volunteer Minister does not ignore the pain, evil, and injustice of existence. Instead, he is equipped to handle these issues and help others find relief from them and gain new personal strength.”

Their motto, regardless of the situation, is “Something can be done about it.”

Mr. Hubbard developed the Scientology Tools for Life for the training of the Volunteer Minister. These are available as free courses to anyone wishing to acquire these skills to assist themselves, their families, friends, and society. The Scientology Tools for Life training is available in 17 languages via the Scientology Website and the Volunteer Ministers website.

Libya floods: UN providing aid as disaster response team deploys

By

-

14 September 2023

Libya floods: UN providing aid as disaster response team deploys

More than 5,000 people have reportedly died, many of them residents of Derna, which was struck by a torrent of water from two dams which burst, sweeping away whole neighbourhoods of the port city.

“Search and rescue operations are actively underway, led by national agencies, military, the Libyan Red Crescent and local volunteers”, said a statement released by the UN Spokesperson’s Office.

Catastrophic flooding breaks dams and sweeps away buildings and homes in Libya.

Table of Contents

Supporting role

The Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Libya, Georgette Gagnon, has tasked an emergency response team to support local authorities and partners.

A team from the Geneva-based UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) operation, part of humanitarian coordination office OCHA, has been deployed to support response and relief operations.

Emergency Relief Coordinator, Martin Griffiths, announced on Tuesday an initial allocation of $10 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to support those affected by the floods.

Oil-rich Libya has in effect been split since 2014 between an interim, internationally recognized Government operating from the capital, Tripoli, and another one in the east, with many armed groups also operating on its territory. The two sides signed a ceasefire in 2020, but political rivalries continue.

‘Brutally swept away’

The UN human rights chief, Volker Türk, issued a statement on Wednesday saying he was profoundly distressed “that thousands of lives have been so brutally swept away in eastern Libya, and so many more people have lost their loved ones, their homes, their communities, and their access to basic needs.”

He called on all Libyan political actors to overcome the deadlock preventing national unity and division, “and to act collectively in ensuring access to relief.”

“This is a time for unity of purpose: all those affected must receive support, without regard for any affiliations. It is important that particular care is taken to ensure protection of groups in vulnerable situations – who are rendered even more at risk in the aftermath of such a disaster.”

Help ‘any way we can’

Speaking to reporters earlier at UN Headquarters in New York, Secretary-General António Guterres said that the UN was ready to “work in any and every way we can with partners to help get emergency assistance to those who so desperately need it.”

The UN World Food Programme (WFP) said on Wednesday it had despatched its first shipment of food assistance to Libya in the wake of the floods which have left more than 10,000 injured or missing.

In coming days, WFP aims to reach more than 5,000 families whose lives were turned upside down when the dams burst after being hammered by Hurricane Daniel over the weekend.

‘Out of control’

“Entire neighborhoods in Derna disappeared, along with their residents, swept away by water after the two aging structures collapsed, creating a catastrophic situation that is out of control”, said WFP.

Derna is the worst-affected city while Albayda, Almarj, Benghazi, Bayada, Al Owailia, Taknes (AlJabal Al Akhdar), Talmeitha, Tobruk, Toukra, Shahhat, and Sousa were also hit.

On Tuesday, WFP commenced its response with cooperating partner LibAid, distributing rations – that include sugar, pasta, rice, wheat flour, tomato paste, white beans and cooking oil – to hundreds of families across 16 locations in the capital of the eastern administration, Benghazi.

More than 2,000 storm-affected and displaced people who fled from Derna to Benghazi have already received food and distributions are ongoing.

WFP already assists more than 52,000 people in with in-kind food and cash grants in Libya, including internally displaced people, returnees, and migrants in urban areas.