Attachments
FAST FACTS
- The conflict in Sudan has displaced more than 11 million people, including more than 2 million who have sought refuge in neighboring countries—180,000 of whom have arrived in Libya.
- The Ministry of Health reports that about 92,000 Sudanese refugees have arrived in Kufra, raising urgent concerns about a potential humanitarian crisis if swift aid is not provided.
- Ensuring that displaced communities receive timely assistance is crucial. There is a need to provide access to healthcare, mental health support, food, shelter and essential household items.
OUR FOOTPRINT
- International Medical Corps was the first global humanitarian organization in Libya when the conflict began in 2011, and has since been providing critical health, nutrition, protection, mental health and psychosocial support, and water, sanitation and hygiene services.
OUR RESPONSE
- In Kufra, our medical team has conducted 11,653 consultations and distributed essential medical supplies and consumables in informal settlements and the city’s primary hospital.
The conflict in Sudan has driven more than 11 million people from their homes since mid-April 2023, with more than 2 million seeking refuge in neighboring countries. A significant number of these displaced communities have found shelter in Kufra, a remote and sparsely populated region in southeastern Libya. According to UNHCR, Libya now hosts an estimated 180,000 Sudanese refugees. Recent data from Libya’s national health authorities reveal that more than 92,000 adult Sudanese refugees have resided in Kufra since January. This figure accounts only for people aged 18 and above, as registration through Libya’s Ministry of Health requires health certificates, which are limited to adults—suggesting that actual numbers are likely higher. The influx continues steadily, with approximately 300 to 400 new arrivals entering informal camps daily.
Sudanese refugees are facing extremely challenging living conditions, which are expected to worsen as winter nears and more individuals arrive in Libya, particularly in Kufra. As of now, the Abu-Gazala informal settlement, which previously housed around 96 Sudanese families, has been evacuated at the request of the property owner. Most of the displaced families have sought shelter in other nearby settlements. Refugees are also grappling with numerous challenges, including insufficient healthcare services, poor shelter conditions, limited availability of clean water and a lack of adequate food supplies. Similarly, Sudanese refugees in other Libyan regions are experiencing severe hardships, as humanitarian needs remain unmet in multiple locations.
International Medical Corps conducted a mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) needs and resources assessment in Kufra, Misrata and Tripoli, engaging 43 participants—74% female and 26% male—from the migrant, refugee and host communities. The findings revealed socio-economic and health challenges, such as housing, unemployment, limited healthcare access and prevalent mental health issues, including depression and anxiety. Protection concerns, especially affecting women and children, were highlighted, with 13% of participants reporting issues such as fear and insecurity. Critical gaps were identified in the availability of psychotropic medications and trained mental health professionals, with nearly 69% of health facilities lacking essential psychotropic medications. Community coping mechanisms included reliance on social support networks and individual strategies. However, stigma, discrimination and financial constraints hindered access to mental health services. Our recommendations highlight a multifaceted approach, including community-based MHPSS services, strengthening mental health systems, awareness campaigns to reduce stigma, and integrating mental health services into broader health and social systems to address the complex needs of vulnerable populations.