Libya

Mine Action

Humanitarian demining Stockpile destruction

From 2011 to 2014, FSD supported humanitarian demining in Libya and the management of weapons and ammunition stockpiles, helping to reduce risks for local communities.

A widespread contamination

Following the first Libyan conflict in 2011, the country became heavily contaminated with landmines and explosive remnants of war. The proliferation of weapons and ammunition stored in unsecured depots further increased the risks to the population and fuelled regional instability.

A coordinated and targeted response

As a member of the Joint Mine Action Coordination Team, alongside the United Nations and other NGOs, FSD deployed two emergency demining teams as early as 2011. In 2012, the teams focused their efforts in Sirte, where every house and every street was cleared following intense fighting.

From 2013 to 2014, operations continued from Tripoli, combining humanitarian demining with the management of weapons and ammunition stockpiles in Hun and Waddan. These activities included training and technical assistance to reduce the risk of looting or accidental explosions caused by poor stockpile management. From Benghazi, FSD also conducted a nationwide survey of former ammunition depots.

Throughout its operations, FSD delivered explosive ordnance risk education sessions to raise awareness of explosive hazards and prevent accidents.

Our impact in Libya

+112,000

explosive items neutralised

+22,000

sub-munitions destroyed

+5,400,000

square metres of land cleared

Demining and capacity building for a lasting impact

FSD’s activities have led to the destruction of tens of thousands of explosive devices, significantly reducing risks to civilians. The training provided has strengthened the capacities of Libyan forces in managing weapons and ammunition stockpiles for destruction, thereby helping to prevent further incidents and improve long-term safety.