Children’s lives and well-being in danger as fighting intensifies in Tripoli, Libya

An increasing number of children are at imminent risk of injury or death because of the escalation in fighting – the worst in years – in and around Tripoli.

“We remind all warring parties in Libya of their obligations to protect children at all times in full compliance with international law. Killing, injuring and recruiting children, and attacks on education, medical and water facilities are all grave violations of children’s rights and must cease immediately. Prevention measures must be put in place to better protect children, in line with Security Council resolution 2427.

There is a need in unimpeded humanitarian access to all children in need, and for a ceasefire to allow civilians to safely leave areas under conflict.

Nearly 1,800 children are among civilians who urgently need evacuation from areas under frontline fighting, while 7,300 children have already been displaced from their homes by the raging violence. Around 500,000 children are estimated to be affected by violence across western Libya.

Children trapped in conflict areas are at risk of running out of food and losing access to medical care. Unable to leave these areas, they cannot safely seek protection or assistance.

The fighting is also depriving children of their right to education. The academic year has been suspended in all schools in conflict-affected areas, and seven schools are currently sheltering displaced families. A recent attack on an education warehouse destroyed 5 million schoolbooks and national school exam results.

Original source: UNICEF
Published on 18 April 2019