Libya

Country Map and Statistics

Libya has a population of approximately of 5.4 million people (1996 census) with a growth of 3.6% per annum. It ranks number 64 on the Human Development Index. Only 1% of Libyan land is arable, of which only 1% is irrigated.

The country depends primarily on the oil sector, which contributes practically to all the export earnings and about one third of the country's GDP. The non oil manufacturing and construction sectors account for about 20% of the GDP while agriculture accounts for about 5%. The main growth sectors are liquefied natural gas and tourism industries. Since 1988, Libya experienced a revival in the non oil sectors and has pursued an economic liberalization policy.

Overall Libya is politically stable although it has been under a UN imposed embargo since 1992, due to its refusal to hand over to British and US courts two Libyan nationals accused of being involved in the bombing of a commercial airline over Scotland. In 1996, the U.S. enacted the Iran and Libya Sanctions Act, which aimed at foreign firms investing in Libya's energy sector. As a result of these two measures, the country has remained internationally isolated, and its economy has recently been under considerable strains suffering from spiral inflation, high unemployment and serious structural problems.

Overview of Drug Control Situation

Libya's political situation, however, has not affected the country's position on illicit drugs. The Government has remained strongly committed to the fight against drugs, and it has been attending CND meetings and responding to INCB’s requests for reporting.

Since 1994 Libya has not provided voluntary contributions to UNDCP. This is expected to be addressed by the Cairo Regional Office in its future dealing with Libya and other countries of the region.

No significant illicit drug production has been reported in Libya. However, due to its geographical location, Libya has potential for transit trafficking, particularly for drugs destined for Egypt. There is little information on the drug abuse situation in Libya. Information provided by the Government at the 1996 Demand Reduction Forum on North Africa, held in Tunisia, reports moderate abuse of hashish, heroin, and diverted prescription drugs.  According to this source, abuse is most prevalent in urban areas. Treatment facilities are limited and seriously under funded.

The General Administration for Drug Control (GADC) in the Ministry of Interior is responsible for combating illicit drugs in the country. GADC has been a regular participant in the annual meetings of the Arab Office for Narcotic Affairs, which is part of the Arab Interior Ministers Council.

Libya has an inter ministerial committee to oversee drug control matters in the country. The committee, however, lacks the ability to ensure an effective implementation of its decisions, and to provide effective co-ordination among the various government agencies involved in drug control matters.

UNDCP has recently been contacted by the Libyan NGO World Permanent Organization for the Jamahiriya Youth which requested advice on setting up a programme against drug abuse in North Africa.