Libyan Arab Jamahiriyah: Crisis Situation Report No. 14

I. HIGHLIGHTS/KEY PRIORITIES

- On 17 March the Security Council adopted resolution 1973. This authorised Member States "to take all necessary measures ... to protect civilians and civilian populated areas under threat of attack in the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya".

- On 19 March an international coalition launched air strikes on Libyan Government forces.

- On 19 March the UN Secretary-General called for humanitarian agencies to be given prompt access to Libya and for the return or repatriation of migrant workers and others leaving the country to be assured.

- On 19 March, the ICRC expressed its deep concern about the recent intensification of fighting in and around densely populated areas in Libya, and the associated risk to civilians. It called on all parties involved in the hostilities - the international forces, the Libyan Government forces, and the armed opposition - to abide strictly by the rules of international humanitarian law, particularly the obligation of parties to distinguish at all times between civilians and fighters.

- As of 19 March, IOM and UNHCR estimated that at least 320,423 people have fled Libya, and approximately 8,578 remain stranded at the Libyan borders with Tunisia and Egypt.

- The Humanitarian Coordinator (HC), Mr. Rashid Khalikov, visited the Egypt-Libya border on 18-20 March where he obtained first hand accounts from people fleeing the violence in Libya.

- The Regional Flash Appeal for the Libyan crisis which requested $160.3 million is 62.4% funded, with $99 million received and $1.5 million pledged.