The Red Cross is accepting Tracing Inquiries on a limited basis for individuals who have been missing or detained since the onset of the conflict in Libya.
Inquiries regarding civilians in Libya:
Tracing Requests can be accepted that meet the following criteria:
- Missing persons living in the city of Benghazi, Libya : at this time, the Red Cross can conduct searches for missing persons in the city of Benghazi only. It is not possible for the ICRC to conduct active searches in other areas of Libya at this time.
- Missing persons living in other areas of Libya whom inquirers have been unable to reach by telephone: Due to the conflict, individuals in the United States who are trying to reach Libyan mobile telephone numbers have been unable to get through. However, the majority of mobile networks within Libyan borders are functioning. The Red Cross will attempt to reach sought persons by phone from within Libya. **please note that in the city of Misrata, while there is no telephone service at this time, the Red Cross has made satellite phones available for the population to use to call their relatives.
- Requests are accepted for family members only who are not U.S. citizens.
To initiate a Tracing Inquiry: Contact International Services to speak to a caseworker- call 626-407-4536
Inquiries concerning U.S. citizens should be referred to the U.S. Department of State, Office of Overseas Citizens Services, at 1-888-407-4747 or 202 647-5225
Inquiries concerning individuals believed to be detained
The International Committee of the Red Cross has access to, and is visiting detainees under the custody of the National Transitional Council. The ICRC is currently in negotiations to gain greater access to detainees who are in the custody of the Libyan authorities in Tripoli. ICRC is continuing to submit the names of sought persons to the Libyan authorities in the event that ICRC will gain access to those places of detention in Tripoli. At this time the Red Cross is able to accept inquiries related to persons detained in Libya.
To initiate a Tracing Inquiry: Contact International Services to speak to a caseworker- call 626-407-4536
In the last two weeks, the ICRC, operating from Benghazi, also distributed food and other necessities to over 25,000 displaced people in towns in the east, and delivered equipment to repair the electrical network between Benghazi and Ras Lanouf. Along with volunteers from the Libyan Red Crescent society, the ICRC also continued to educate people about risks of unexploded ordnance. So far, the campaign has reached more than 2,500 displaced people, including nearly 700 children
Related Articles:
Prisoners of war and detainees
The third Geneva Convention provides a wide range of protection for prisoners of war. It defines their rights and sets down detailed rules for their treatment and eventual release. International humanitarian law (IHL) also protects other persons deprived of liberty as a result of armed conflict. Read full overview
Tags: Benghazi, Find detained in Libya, Find missing in Libya, International, Libya, Misrata
