WIREDGOV

The first ever international Stabilisation Response Team has arrived in Libya, International Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell has confirmed. The team of 11 stabilisation experts will assess what help the National Transitional Council (NTC) and the rest of Libya will need in the period ahead of a political settlement, with a view to supporting the UN’s post conflict planning.

The international Stabilisation Response Team will help inform a co-ordinated international response to interim stabilisation needs in the country. The team includes experts in areas such as economics, infrastructure, essential public services, security and justice systems and politics. The core team will be provided by Britain and will also include representatives from international partners including Italy and Denmark, with others set to join in the coming weeks including the EU.

International Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell, the Cabinet Minister with responsibility for Stabilisation, said:

"The UK has provided immediate humanitarian help for those affected by the conflict in Libya, from helping migrant workers return home to providing medical and emergency food supplies. We will continue to do so, but the international community also needs to start thinking strategically about what is needed now to help lay the foundations for a stable, secure Libya.

"That’s why an international Stabilisation Response Team is now on the ground in Libya to assess what support the country may need.  Future plans could range from rebuilding the economy and infrastructure to supporting the National Transitional Council to deliver services for the people of Eastern Libya and ensuring that people are safe and secure.

"Stabilisation will ultimately be led by the UN, with strong multilateral support from the region and elsewhere."

This is the first ever deployment of a Stabilisation Response Team - innovative, flexible teams that can be deployed rapidly to fragile and conflict-affected states. This is a new concept that was announced in the recent Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) to provide an integrated and bespoke approach to post-conflict reconstruction.

The team is deployed by the Stabilisation Unit, the Government's centre of expertise and best practice in stabilisation. It works to help prevent further violence, protect people and promote democratic political processes.

The deployment of this SRT follows the Prime Minister’s recent pledge of further support for the Libyan people and was part of a package of measures he announced which will strengthen the UK’s relations with the NTC and help the Libyan people realise their legitimate aspirations.

For more information, please contact Chris Kiggell by email: c-kiggell@dfid.gov.uk or tel: 020 7023 0504 / 0600.