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Add to Preferred SourcesA new programme worth €50 million, to improve the living conditions and resilience of vulnerable populations in key Libyan municipalities has been adopted under the European Union Emergency Trust Fund for Africa (North of Africa window).
The new actions will benefit migrants, refugees, Internally Displaced Persons, returnees and host communities alike. Formulated jointly by the European Commission and Italy, the new programme will enhance access to basic and social services for vulnerable people and support local governance, in particular in the Libyan municipalities most affected by migratory flows.
High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini said:
“We have been working very closely in recent years with the central and local Libyan authorities, with civil society and with all the actors that can bring peace and stability to a country exposed to many challenges. The municipalities play a key role and have our support. With this decision today, we continue the essential help to and for Libyan municipalities to strengthen governance and public services in the most vulnerable areas. This programme is meant to address the needs of migrants and of the local communities that are particularly exposed to the migratory flows. The European Union will continue to stay at the side of Libyans and of all the people in need”
Commissioner for Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, Johannes Hahn, underlined:
“Today’s new programme demonstrates that the European Union remains committed to assist Libya in responding to the pressing needs of the most vulnerable people and to strengthen local governance across the country. We are committed to supporting the kind of changes in Libya that can help bring stability in the country, which is a key priority for addressing the migration issue and many of the country’s other challenges.“
This new programme will support the capacities of local public authorities and administrations in providing basic services – health, education, water and sanitation as well as social services – while improving timely and quality access to these services, in particular for the most vulnerable people. It will cover 24 Libyan municipalities, ensuring a wide and balanced coverage across the country. The programme will be implemented by the Italian Cooperation, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
Implementation will be closely coordinated with the Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA) and the Presidential Council, taking into account the needs of the local population as well as those from migrants and vulnerable groups in order to foster better inclusion and stability. To this end the European Union will continue to work closely with the UN Special Representative for Libya to bring a lasting solution to the crisis and restore peace and stability in the country.
As part of a comprehensive approach to support Libya and joint efforts with Italy, this programme expands both geographically and financially the support provided by the EU to Libyan municipalities across the country, and in particular, along the main migration routes.
Original source: European Commission
Published on 12 March 2018