The Ministry of Defence of the Government of National Unity (GNU) hosted an extensive technical consultation on Tuesday between its Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law Office and the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS). The session aimed to develop a collaborative strategy for managing weaponry and clearing explosive remnants of war (ERW) in accordance with international legal standards. Attended by representatives from the Military Engineering Department and the Arms and Ammunition Directorate of the General Staff, the meeting reviewed the operational challenges in conflict-affected regions, emphasising the urgent need for clear national policies to protect civilians and vital infrastructure from the lingering hazards of past military operations.
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To bolster local expertise, UNMAS expressed its commitment to launching specialised training programmes and providing technical consultancy to the Military Engineering Department. These initiatives are designed to enhance the proficiency of field teams in neutralising unexploded ordnance. Furthermore, the UN support plan includes upgrading the storage and transportation protocols for arms and ammunition to ensure the highest safety benchmarks and mitigate the risks of accidental detonations. These efforts align with broader international goals to standardise humanitarian demining methodologies and address the cross-border implications of Libya’s war remnants on neighbouring African states, particularly amidst a global surge in arms trade.
In terms of internal regulation, the Ministry of Defence reiterated that the movement of all military equipment is strictly governed by an institutional Code of Conduct. This framework prohibits the transfer or deployment of any weapons or ammunition without explicit, pre-authorised instructions from senior command levels. The Ministry noted that such measures are essential for maintaining institutional discipline, ensuring compliance with international treaties, and preventing the illicit use of arms to safeguard public security. The meeting concluded with an agreement on the vital role of international cooperation in Libya’s recovery phase, stressing the importance of ongoing coordination and periodic reviews to implement joint action plans that prioritise national stability and public safety.