Norway provides support for emergency medical assistance in Libya

The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs will fund the deployment of a Norwegian Red Cross surgical team in Libya. The team will provide assistance for the many wounded who are in urgent need of medical attention following the unrest in the country during the past few days.  

“The authorities’ use of military force against the country’s own population is unacceptable and is in violation of international humanitarian principles. It is important that we respond quickly by providing relief to the civilian population in this critical situation,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

The Norwegian Red Cross is sending a surgical team to Libya in response to a request from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The team, which consists of one surgeon, an anaesthetist, a surgical nurse and a nurse, will be deployed in Libya in cooperation with the Libyan Red Crescent. The aid provided will also include sufficient medical supplies to carry out 500 operations.