UNHCR Delivers Assistance Packages to Refugees in Libya's Tripoli
Arab World
Cairo - Asharq Al-Awsat
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has begun a series of emergency distributions in the Libyan capital Tripoli, to assist refugees and asylum-seekers during the holy fasting month of Ramadan, as the country's conflict persists and amid the coronavirus outbreak. The aid includes hygiene kits, purification tablets, provided by sister agency, UNICEF, and a food basket that will last one month. The distribution is the first of a series planned during Ramadan. In the first week, nearly 500 people will be reached with assistance. The aim is to reach up to 4,000 beneficiaries during the holy month. Head of the International Organization Cooperation & Emergency Aid (IOCEA) Jamal al-Mabrouk told Asharq Al-Awsat that there are several asylum centers in Libya suffering miserable conditions and where horrible violations are being committed. He specified centers located in cities controlled by militias. Head of the Anti-Illegal Immigration Agency Colonel Mabrouk Abdulhafid had previously confirmed that some 700,000 illegal migrants were in Libya. The UNHCR had in April voiced concern that the ongoing fighting in Tripoli will hamper the country’s ability to confront the novel coronavirus. “We recognize that daily life in Libya is terribly difficult, for Libyans as well as for refugees and asylum-seekers, because of the armed conflict, and the situation has become even more challenging because of the curfew and movement restrictions induced by the fight against COVID-19”, said Jean-Paul Cavalieri, Chief of Mission for UNHCR in Libya. “This has especially affected refugees and asylum seekers, who are now unable to find work and earn to support themselves. Ramadan is an important moment to show solidarity at a time when people are really struggling with their daily needs,” he added. Aid distributions have been organized in coordination with the local relevant authorities and partners, LibAid, the International Rescue Committee, and UN OCHA, to ensure social distancing and the security and safety of individuals receiving assistance, the UNHCR noted. The ongoing conflict has severely impacted the country’s health system and medical services, which have limited resources and face shortages of basic equipment and medicines. Many hospitals or health facilities, located in areas close to the conflict, have also been damaged or closed. The High Commissioner and partners have been providing generators, ambulances, prefab containers and tented clinics in support of local healthcare services across the country. Core relief items have been distributed to the health authorities in Misrata, and soap has been distributed in settlements to reach 20,000 displaced people in Benghazi, as well as in several detention centers, where hygiene conditions are very poor. Other distributions have taken place for displaced communities in Tripoli, it added. Further, the UNHCR and partners have conducted public health awareness among refugees, asylum-seekers and Libyans, through posters, text messages and social media, aimed at mitigating the risks of exposure to COVID-19. The High Commissioner echoed the appeal of the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urging warring parties across the world to cease their fighting in support of the response to the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic.
from Asharq AL-awsat https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/2268216/unhcr-delivers-assistance-packages-refugees-libyas-tripoli
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