The United States (US) Embassy in Libya has announced its intention to fund cultural project proposals that contribute to the preservation of Libyan archaeological sites. The funding for these projects ranges from $10,000 to $500,000.
According to the US Embassy’s announcement, the 2024 Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) program will finance projects ranging from $10,000 to $500,000. These projects are geared towards preserving archaeological sites, buildings, historical landmarks, museums, and forms of traditional cultural expression in Libya.
The US Embassy clarified in its announcement that the deadline for submitting project proposals is January 5th, 2024. This initiative represents a significant effort by the US to support cultural heritage preservation in Libya, fostering historical understanding and cultural exchange.
Early November, the US Ambassador to Libya, Richard Norland, criticised the human rights violations in Libya. He noted that the best path forward for respecting the human rights of Libyans includes free and fair elections that allow them to choose accountable leadership.
In his tweet on the occasion of International Human Rights Day, Norland said “unfortunately, we continue to see human rights violations, such as the kidnappings of Mansour Atte or Hamza El-Traiki.”
“On the occasion of Human Rights Day, I wanted to re-affirm US support for human rights for Libyans of every background,” Norland noted.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Moammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations, each backed by rogue militias and foreign governments.
The current stalemate grew out of the failure to hold elections in December 2021, and the refusal of Prime Minister Abdelhamid Dbaiba, who is leading the transitional government, to step down. In response, the country’s eastern-based Parliament appointed a rival Prime Minister, Fathi Bashagha, who has for months sought to install his government in Tripoli.