March 1, 2011 www.interaction.

org

Contacts:
Sue Pleming: 202.552.6561 or 202.341.3814 (Cell) or spleming@interaction.org
Tawana Jacobs: 202.552.6534 or 202.297.1696 (Cell) or tjacobs@interaction.org

U.S. NGOs urge calm in Libya, safe access

WASHINGTON, March 1 – InterAction, the largest alliance of U.S.-based international NGOs,
called on Tuesday for the safe passage of humanitarian workers and medical supplies into
Libya, particularly in the west of the country where access and information are currently very
limited.

The security situation in Libya remains serious and many civilians have been affected by the
violence, which first erupted last month as demonstrators took to the streets to demand that
Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi step down.

Tens of thousands of migrant workers have already left Libya and many more are still trying to
get back to their countries of origin, either via land, boat or air. InterAction is particularly
concerned over the safety of migrants from sub-Saharan Africa, who are vulnerable due to their
tenuous legal status and perceived links to African mercenaries employed by the Libyan leader.

“We appeal to the Libyan authorities to allow safe passage of humanitarian supplies and workers
into Libya if that is needed. We also urge neighboring countries Egypt, Tunisia and Niger to
continue doing all they can to help those migrant workers and civilians who have fled Libya,” said
Samuel A. Worthington, president of InterAction.

“Reports of civilian deaths and injuries inside Libya are alarming and we urge all sides to respect
human rights and not use excessive force. African migrants are a particularly vulnerable group in
the conflict,” added Worthington.

Information remains scant over exactly what is happening inside the country and a humanitarian
needs assessment still has to be done before the full scale of the crisis is known. As of March 1,
2011, the east of the country was under the control of the opposition and Tripoli and the west of
Libya remain under the control of the Gadhafi regime.

Some of InterAction’s members have been deploying staff to border areas to both help with
those fleeing the violence and to be well-positioned to enter Libya if their presence is feasible
and becomes necessary.

InterAction is the largest alliance of U.S.-based international NGOs doing relief and development
work abroad. A list of our members who are responding to the crisis in Libya is available on our
web page. http://www.interaction.org/crisis-list/interaction-members-respond-crisis-libya
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InterAction is the largest alliance US-based nongovernmental international organizations with more than
190 members. Our members operate in every developing country, working with local communities to
overcome poverty and suffering by helping to improve their quality of life. Visit www.interaction.org

InterAction | 1400 16th St. NW, Suite 210, Washington D.C. 20036 | 202.667.8227 | ia@interaction.org