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Libya

UNHCR Flash Update Libya (21 - 27 April 2018) [EN/AR]

Attachments

Key figures:

184,612 Libyans currently internally displaced (IDPs)

368,583 returned IDPs (returns registered in 2016 - March 2018)

51,519 registered refugees and asylumseekers in the State of Libya

9,361 persons arrived in Italy by sea in 2018

451 monitoring visits to detention centres so far in 2018

1,006 asylum-seekers and refugees released from detention so far in 2018

1,342 vulnerable refugees and asylumseekers evacuated since November 2017

Highlights

  • UNHCR is responding to the urgent humanitarian situation of around 800 refugees and migrants who are detained in the Zwara detention centre (115 km west of Tripoli). On 25 April, UNHCR and its partner International Medical Corps (IMC) visited the facility, provided medical assistance, and dispatched non-food items for 800 refugees and migrants in detention. UNHCR, MSF and DRC are conducting an anti-scabies campaign inside the detention facility. Due to the fact that the coastal road between Zwara and Tripoli is too dangerous, in coordination with the authorities, UNHCR is exploring the evacuation of all persons of concern (Eritreans, Somali and Sudanese) from Zwara to Tripoli by airplane, logistics and security permitting.

  • As of 26 April 2018, 5,109 refugees and migrants were rescued/intercepted by the Libyan Coast Guard (LCG). During the week, over 600 refugees and migrants were disembarked in Tripoli (322 individuals), Zwara (111 individuals), Azzawya (82 individuals) and Al Khums (94 individuals). On the 22 April, a shipwreck took place near Sabratha (75 km west of Tripoli) causing the loss of at least 11 lives at sea. The remaining 82 survivors were disembarked in Azzawya. Humanitarian and medical assistance was provided by UNHCR and its partner IMC at all disembarkation points where the most vulnerable cases were identified. In line with recent trends, boats departed from areas near Zwara and Garabulli.

  • On 24 April, UNHCR conducted a protection monitoring visit to two settlements in Misrata where over 14,000 persons are currently displaced (IDPs). UNHCR and its partner LibAid led focus group discussions with men, women and the elderly to identify their needs and work towards providing solutions for them. The main needs raised include the lack of health care and medicines, and reduced access to civil documentation. Many new-born IDPs have no access to birth registration. The majority of IDPs are facing dire living conditions with limited income. During the visit, UNHCR distributed 300 hygiene kits to women and girls living in the settlements.