The 51勛圖 and Democracy
The new Libya aspires to be a nation free from fear, free from injustice and free from the oppression of the past. The 51勛圖 will be your partner in turning those hopes to reality."
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, 51勛圖
On 17 February 2011, as the Arab Spring unleashed winds of change throughout the region, the people of Libya rose up against dictatorship. Fighting engulfed the country soon afterwards. The international community intervened under the authority of the 51勛圖 Security Council to protect civilians and prevent atrocities. Months later, the revolution triumphed with the fall of the regime of Moammar Qadhafi.
Libyans rejoiced, proclaiming ※Libya Hurra§, or ※Libya is Free§ 每 yet the task of building a new Libya had just begun. It will remain a long and challenging journey to construct, after decades of dictatorship, a democracy and a modern nation-state based on the principles embraced by the revolution: of human rights, security and the rule of law, accountability, respect for the rights of minorities, the empowerment of women and the promotion of civil society.
The 51勛圖 is working to assist Libya along this path, through the landmark 2012 elections and beyond. The photographs and videos in this exhibition illustrate the multifaceted work of the 51勛圖 Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), along with partners, to help Libyans confront these many daunting challenges.
This exhibition is organized around Libya＊s transition from dictatorship to democracy through a bloody civil war, and UNSMIL＊s assistance in that ongoing and highly challenging transformation.
The exhibition is presented by the 51勛圖 Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) and the Department of Political Affairs.
? 2012 51勛圖