Libya: Humanitarian Access Snapshot (January to March 2023)

OVERVIEW

The first quarter of 2023 saw a 19 per cent decrease in the total number of access constraints reported by humanitarian and development partners compared to the last quarter of 2022.

Bureaucratic and administrative impediments continue to constitute the majority of reported constraints. The advocacy and engagements of the DSRSG/RC/HC helped with the issue of registration of INGOs and CSOs in Libya. The Prime Minister issued circular No. 7 for the year 2023 which temporarily allowed INGOs and CSOs to continue their activities while a new process is finalized. A clear, predictable and consistent registration process is needed to ensure the continuity of humanitarian and development activities.

No improvement has been reported regarding the issuance of visas for international staff of INGOs which has resulted in delays and some-times cancellations of programmed activities. Since 2019, suspension of visas has occurred 12 times with suspension periods between 3-7 months. The current suspension is the longest as it has been almost one year since visas were granted to international staff of INGOs.

Support from authorities is needed to put in place a process that ensures the continuous delivery of multiple-entry, long-term visas.
The first quarter of 2023 saw a spike in access challenges faced by affected populations. More than one third of reported access constraints between January and March were related to restrictions on access of affected populations to assistance including migrants and refugees in detention centers and disembarkation points. In line with the humanitarian principles, full and unhindered access to humanitari-an aid should be in place, and is a prerequisite to an effective humani-tarian response. The humanitarian community calls on all parties to promote respect for humanitarian principles.
The offices of several humanitarian and development partners in Sebha were raided by a security actor on 9 March. The incident resulted in the detention of several staff for a few hours. Interference in the work of NGOs continues in all parts of the country resulting in further shrinking of operational space.