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By Libya Herald reporters.
Tunis, 23 September 2017:
An agreement between Tripoli and Zintan appears to mean that at least ten thousand internally displaced people (IDPs) sheltering in Zintan can return to their homes and jobs in the capital. The only question still to be resolved seems to be when this can happen.
UNSMIL and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) brokered a two-day meeting in Tunis to end the long-standing concerns about the safe return of the IDPs, who fled Tripoli after the 2014 Libya Dawn takeover. Many of those who left lost their jobs and had their businesses and homes looted.
With the ouster of Libya Dawn, there has been growing pressure among the refugees to go home. However, although some have moved back independently, a major return has been held up over security fears. In June a Zintani delegation pressed https://www.libyaherald.com/2017/06/20/zintani-idps-look-to-presidency-council-to-ensure-their-safe-return-to-tripoli/ Presidency Council (PC) head Faiez Serraj to ensure the safe homecoming of those who fled.
At this week’s Tunis meeting brought together local mayors and members of the House of Representatives (HoR), officials from the Justice, Interior and Social Affairs ministries, representatives from Tripoli brigades and Zintan’s military council, as well as elders and members of civil society organisations.
UNSMIL reported that over the two days, “concrete actions, policies and mechanisms to ensure a peaceful return” were discussed. These included security arrangements in neighbourhoods to which the refugees would go back, as well as guarantees of justice and accountability, the restoration of livelihoods and public services and the reintegration of the IDPs into the life of the capital. Also on the agenda was compensation for the damage to the refugees’ property.
The details of these arrangements was not disclosed. The deal itself is due to be signed in Libya, at which point, said UNSMIL, a precise timetable for the IDP’s homecoming would be decided.
According to figures put out by the International Organisation for Migration this May, there were just over 240,000 IDPs in Libya. The return of the Tawerghans to their ruined town, agreed with Misrata, is currently stalled by opposition from some Misratans. Therefore the future of the IDPs who fled to Zintan is likely to be a touchstone for the wider return of all those who have been displaced by conflict.
