Libya: US$10.2M urgently needed as humanitarian partners strive to reach civilians trapped in conflict

Clashes between the Government of National Accord (GNA) and the Libyan National Army (LNA) erupted south of Tripoli on 4 April, immediately impacting the civilian population in and around Tripoli. 

Humanitarian partners are urgently seeking US$10.2 million to be able to meet the most pressing needs of 100,000 people. Funding is especially needed to provide basic health services, protection, clean water, emergency food and shelter to civilians trapped in the cross-fire and forced to flee their homes.

To date, 79 casualties have been confirmed while more than 27,000 people have been displaced by violence in just two weeks. Thousands more remain trapped by ongoing fighting in their neighborhoods, and the numbers are growing daily. Most families are staying with relatives and in private accommodation in the different neighborhoods and suburbs of Tripoli, as well as along the coastal line in Western Libya and the Nafusa mountains. Over 2,000 newly displaced persons have sought shelter in collective centers designated by the local authorities.

3,900 refugees and migrants in detention centers are also at high risk and trapped in conflict areas. Five detention centres are located in areas already engulfed by fighting.

The Humanitarian Response Plan launched in February had requested $202 million to meet the most basic needs of 552,000 of the most vulnerable people, both Libyans and migrants. The escalation over the past two weeks have exacerbated the already dire living conditions of thousands of civilians already struggling with seven years of instability and insecurity. Yet, the Response Plan remains a mere 6.5 percent funded.

Yesterday, UN Humanitarian Chief announced a CERF allocation of $2 million to fill a critical funding gap.

Original source: UNOCHA
Published on 18 April 2019