Libya | Sabratha response update: Flash Update #3 (as of 23 October 2017)

Summary

• Between 17 September and 6 October, the city of Sabratha witnessed clashes between armed groups. While the fighting has temporarily ended, the situation remains volatile.

• As of 18 October, it was reported that those households that were displaced from the area during the escalation of conflict have returned, but it is estimated that 120 households have lost their homes. In addition, the homes of some 400 households have sustained damages.

• As a result of the conflict and subsequent impact on the migrant, refugee and asylum-seeking population, it is reported that more than 18,000 people are held in 14 locations.

• As of 23 October, 300 migrants remained present in the Dahman assembly point in Sabratha.

Context overview

More than 80,000 people live in Sabratha and those living in the city center were particularly affected by the fighting between militias.

Returnees

Those displaced from Sabratha have returned to their homes, including 7,000 children. The vast majority of people (14,000 of 15,135) have returned to their own homes. Others have rented homes or had an alternative house and a small percentage (250 people) live with host families. According to Sabratha Municipality, 120 homes were rendered uninhabitable and 400 need repairs.

Markets in Sabratha and surrounding areas are functioning and accessible, but the affordability of items is of concern. This is combined with challenges in accessing cash. Electricity and water networks are functioning. Access to health care is reportedly limited to primary health care. In addition, some primary health care centers were damaged including the vaccination center, where the refrigerators for preserving vaccines are no longer functioning. Damage to schools has likewise been reported.

Migrants, refugees and asylum-seekers

A significant number of migrants are present in the area, as Sabratha is known as a location for the transit and trafficking of migrants. On 6 October, the Directorate for Combatting Illegal Migration (DCIM) started an operation to gather these migrants in one location in Dahman with the aim of transferring them to DCIM centers in surrounding areas. As of 22 October, more than 18,000 migrants, refugees and asylum-seekers are present in 14 locations and 300 migrants remain in Dahman.3 It was reported that there are a significant number of unaccompanied and separated children among these.