The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Libya announced that “more than 180,000 Sudanese refugees have arrived in Libya since the beginning of the conflict in Sudan.”
The report stated, “The arrival of about 128,000 Sudanese, an average of 400 to 500 new arrivals per day, in Kufra, taking into account the irregular nature of entry, random data shared by the authorities, and the vast remote land borders with Chad, Egypt and Sudan, in addition to movements towards cities along Sahel, it remains difficult to provide an accurate number of Sudanese refugees.”
The UNHCR said, “The continued arrival of Sudanese to Libya increases the basic needs of refugees, especially in the areas of health, water, sanitation, food and shelter, and shows alarming health conditions, which requires immediate assistance, including food support.”
The Commission noted that “the water and sanitation infrastructure is suffering from severe stress, which increases the risk of the spread of diseases, noting the need for immediate support to increase access to water.”
UNICEF announced “the allocation of one million pounds sterling to strengthen the humanitarian response to displaced Sudanese families and the most needy Libyan communities in the Kufra region.”
The war broke out in Sudan, on April 15, 2023, between the army led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces led by Muhammad Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), in various areas of Sudan, most of which were concentrated in the capital, Khartoum, leaving hundreds of civilians dead and wounded.
Last updated: November 18, 2024 – 19:42
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What role do humanitarian organizations play in managing the refugee crisis in Libya?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Dr. Maya Elliott, Refugee Policy Expert
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, Dr. Elliott. Thank you for joining us today. The recent report from the UNHCR has highlighted a significant increase in the number of Sudanese refugees arriving in Libya, with over 180,000 since the conflict began. Can you help us understand the implications of this influx?
Dr. Maya Elliott: Good afternoon! It’s a pleasure to be here. The arrival of such a large number of Sudanese refugees into Libya is indeed alarming. It speaks not only to the dire conditions in Sudan but also raises significant humanitarian concerns in Libya and across the region. Libya, already grappling with its own challenges, is now under immense pressure to provide support and resources to these refugees.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned the challenges faced by Libya. What specific needs are being highlighted with this influx?
Dr. Maya Elliott: The UNHCR has pointed out critical needs in areas such as health, water, sanitation, and shelter. The situation is exacerbated by the irregular manner of entry, which complicates the ability to provide effective assistance. In many cases, refugees arrive without basic necessities, and the resource strain can lead to deteriorating living conditions for both the refugees and the local population.
Time.news Editor: Considering that around 400 to 500 new arrivals are reported daily, how can humanitarian organizations respond effectively to such a rapidly changing situation?
Dr. Maya Elliott: Quick and agile response mechanisms are crucial here. Humanitarian organizations need to establish mobile health clinics and temporary shelters to address urgent needs promptly. Moreover, collaboration with local authorities and communities is essential to facilitate access to resources. We also need to engage in data collection and analysis to accurately understand the evolving situation and allocate aid effectively.
Time.news Editor: The report indicates the difficulties in tracking accurate numbers due to the irregularity of entries and the vast borders with neighboring countries. How does this impact the humanitarian response?
Dr. Maya Elliott: The challenge of obtaining accurate data is a significant barrier to an effective humanitarian response. Without reliable information, organizations may struggle to plan their interventions adequately. It’s essential to deploy teams that can work alongside local communities to gather information. This will help in identifying the most vulnerable populations and ensuring that aid reaches those who need it the most.
Time.news Editor: What do you think are the long-term implications of this refugee crisis for Libya and the broader region?
Dr. Maya Elliott: Long-term, this situation could lead to increased instability in Libya if not managed properly. The influx of refugees can strain social services and provoke tensions within host communities. Regionally, it highlights the need for a coordinated response among North African countries and the international community, addressing not only immediate humanitarian needs but also the underlying factors forcing people to flee, such as conflict and economic instability in their home countries.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Elliott, for your insights. It’s clear that the situation in Libya requires immediate attention and sustained effort from both humanitarian organizations and governments to cope with this growing crisis.
Dr. Maya Elliott: Absolutely. The international community must come together to support both the refugees and the host countries in finding durable solutions. Thank you for having me!