Libyan Gov't Seeks to Limit Number of Displaced Persons
Arab World
Cairo - Asharq Al-Awsat
The number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Libya has increased over the past ten years due to wars and regional clashes. Citizens were forced to stay in camps built by the authorities or at their expense in other towns amid difficulties that impede the return of the majority of them. The High Committee for Displaced Affairs headed by Minister of State for Displaced Affairs and Human Rights, Ahmed Abu Khuzam, seeks to return the displaced to their cities and homes. During its meeting, the Committee said that it discussed the mechanism of enumerating IDPs in all municipalities through the tracking system and added that it had agreed to nominate representatives to carry out data entry operations for the displaced to provide them with necessary services. The Committee approved the formation of sub-committees to implement the programs and plans based on the geographical distribution. Displacements began after the February 17 Revolution in 2011, including over 44,000 residents from Tawergha who forcibly left after residents from Misrata set fire to their properties and homes. The former government of national unity rehabilitating part of the city, and some citizens returned to their homes, but others refused. Abu Khuzam discussed earlier this week with representatives of Tawergha and its notables the basic needs and the mechanism for providing them. The meeting was held in Benghazi and reviewed the difficulties and urgent priorities facing the camp residents and the conditions for returning to their city. Abu Khuzam noted that a committee was formed from the city's residents to coordinate and communicate with his office. Activist Mohammad al-Mahdi, from Murzuk, told Asharq Al-Awsat that an international investigation should be conducted into their displacement. Residents from Murzuk were forced to leave their town after Tabu-Ouzou clashes in August 2019, which killed 90 and injured over 200 others. More than 34,000 individuals were displaced and resided in several cities across the country. Mahdi added that the unity government only gave promises with no action, asserting that the residents will defend their cause until they achieve their demands and hold those responsible for the massacre accountable. Abu Khuzam was briefed on the displaced Murzuk during his meeting with a number of their representatives in Benghazi. The meeting discussed ways to enhance cooperation to establish reconciliation that guarantees rights and contributes to the activation of justice institutions. The Ministry of State for Displaced Affairs is awaiting budget approval by the House of Representatives but believes a special budget is needed to deal with the infrastructure damages. The government's efforts discussed the difficulties of the displaced from the western region, the eastern part, basic needs, and the mechanism for urgently providing them. A committee of displaced people was approved to coordinate with the office of the Minister and the Higher Committee and facilitate government services for displaced citizens regardless of their residence. Abu Khuzam also discussed with representatives of Benghazi IDPs the difficulties and challenges. He stressed the importance of activating the Benghazi and Derna reconstruction fund to accelerate the reconstruction process, provide direct compensation for those affected, and offer housing alternatives.
from Asharq AL-awsat https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/3166431/libyan-govt-seeks-limit-number-displaced-persons
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