The European Commission is releasing €2 million in emergency funding to assist scores of Libyans who have been forced to flee their homes because of worsening violence in the country.
The funding will provide essential humanitarian assistance and protection to the most vulnerable people affected by the conflict. It will be used to provide food, shelter, medical assistance and psycho-social support. The approaching winter will also increase the need for warm clothing, heaters and insulated shelter.
“It is clear that there are huge needs and the emergency aid we are providing can be a lifeline to some of the most vulnerable families caught up in the conflict," said the EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides (pictured).
“The fighting has had a severe impact on the lives of civilians, with houses and infrastructure destroyed, basic services severely disrupted and shortages of medical supplies. People forced to leave areas of conflict are finding it hard to access food and basic needs – which is why the aid we are providing now is so crucial.”
It is estimated that nearly 400000 people have been displaced due to fighting in Libya since May this year. The country’s political crisis has continued to deepen, despite repeated calls for a ceasefire. Clashes have occurred in both the east and west of the country, spreading to the south in October and November.
The worsening security situation has hampered humanitarian access. Most international aid workers have left the country, leaving local personnel to cope with an increased workload and a rapidly deteriorating humanitarian environment.
(Source: EU Neighbourhood Info)
