If you can’t say something that helps, don’t practice for later. On #Libya

@Net_Anon My feeling: war is madness and cruelty.

We want to end pain for a people hurting, why subvert a force for change for falling short of embodying the final Manicheaen purge toward utopian socialist brotherhood– an investigation of the people in power in Libya will inform you of what we of course ought to know–that there are pecuniary interests, often ancient and at times repressive instruments of State, that will finally be in the Duke’s seat. But in immediately practical terms:

I had the privilege of witnessing a group of Libyans in DC this last week, boldly, rightfully demanding audience of grievances. Free Libya

1. It is almost an absurdity to imagine Gaddafi will be restored, or frankly leave Libya alive.

2. The NTC allows full access to reporters; and while human rights workers have reported on rights violations, the Obeidi scenario amongst other circumstances have proven that the rebel leaders (visible or occult) at least bow to imperatives of survival in relations, and we can expect for the time being humanitarian access.

3. The most realistic and productive undertaking for remote non-combatants (us) is NOT to attempt remote combat through political, rhetorical maneuvers–rather to facilitate a modicum of focus on the PEOPLE of Libya. This is not between the NTC and Gaddafi, it’s the Libyan people vs. Tyranny. Silent now – and one day, it’s Us versus Them.

UN urges probe into reports of refugees left to drown off North Africa

17 June 2011 – The United Nations Human Rights Council today called for a comprehensive inquiry into allegations that sinking boats carrying migrants and asylum-seekers fleeing unrest in North Africa were abandoned to their fate at sea despite the alleged ability of ships in the vicinity to rescue them.

There have been several reports in recent months of refugees fleeing from Libya in overloaded or mechanically unsound boats drowning in the Mediterranean Sea. Early last month the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported that nearly 600 people may have drowned when a boat broke up off the coast of Libya.

In a resolution adopted by the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, the body expressed sadness over the death at sea of hundreds of people, mostly Africans, and cited accounts of survivors and family members who have stated that more than 1,200 others remain unaccounted for.

The Council voiced alarm that after having been compelled to make dangerous journeys, including in crowded and unsafe boats, the would-be migrants are subjected to life-threatening exclusion, detention, rejection and xenophobia.

It noted that despite efforts by countries of destination on the northern shores of the Mediterranean Sea to host migrants and asylum-seekers fleeing from North Africa, the burden of problem fell disproportionately on neighbouring North African countries.

The Council “reaffirms the need to respect the humanitarian principle of non-refoulement from territorial waters and lands for the thousands of people fleeing the events in the North African region,” according to the resolution, sponsored by Nigeria.

It stressed that, “in a spirit of solidarity and burden-sharing, countries of destination should deal with the arrival of thousands of migrants and asylum-seekers in non-seaworthy boats in a humane way and in compliance with their international obligations.”

The Council requested the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to pay particular attention to the problem.

It also urged the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants and other bodies with related mandates to look into the plight of those fleeing by sea, including from North Africa, and who are denied assistance or rescue when approaching the countries of destination, and to report regularly to the Human Rights Council.

Italian Minister Proposes that NATO Ships Block Migrant Boats from Departing Libya (via MIGRANTS AT SEA)

Italian Interior Minister Roberto Maroni is calling for the NATO maritime blockade of Libya to be expanded to block the departure of migrant boats attempting to flee Libya.  Maroni said "I think you can intervene immediately by asking the NATO vessels already along the Libyan coast … to also be used to block people from leaving … This can be done right away if NATO agrees. It would be a solution to the problem.” Click here and here for articles. … Read More

via MIGRANTS AT SEA