In Libya, UNHCR works to improve the situation of hundreds of thousands of civilians affected by the conflict. It also works to provide international protection, humanitarian assistance and solutions to persons of concern who are living in the country, or are in transit towards Europe. It works in close coordination with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and other partners. The constraints they face in Libya are many, including limited access throughout the country due to the current security situation.
Still, UNHCR is making every effort to scale up its presence and response inside Libya through national staff, partners, and the regular rotational presence of international staff, who are currently operating from Tunis.
Given the urgent humanitarian needs and appalling conditions in detention centres, it is essential that UNHCR continues to be engaged in the provision of life-saving assistance, protection and solutions, as well as advocacy for alternatives to detention, as the first and foremost priority.
“The assistance UNHCR provides in detention centres helps alleviate the suffering of detainees,” said Mignone. “We provide hygiene kits, blankets, slippers and clothes. Additionally, through our partner IMC (International Medical Corps), we are able to provide primary health care to those in need, which is often the only medical assistance detainees have access to.”
(Source: UNSMIL)