
TRIPOLI - Upon a three-day-visit to Libya, Mr. Ayman Gharaibeh, the Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) at UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, called for more responsibility sharing to support durable solutions to refugees in the region.
During his visit, Gharaibeh witnessed the feelings of relief and joy as 119 refugees, mainly from Sudan, Eritrea and Ethiopia departed on an evacuation flight to Italy where they are being generously hosted by the Government of Italy and supported by humanitarian organizations.
“This is a real solution, but unfortunately not available for many, and only for some of the most vulnerable refugees”. These legal pathways are important to avoid the dangerous sea journeys that many desperate refugees undertake in search of safety and stability.
Mr. Gharaibeh met with government officials, donors, refugees, UNHCR staff, and humanitarian partners to understand the situation on the ground and advocate for resources and solutions for refugees.
The conflict in neighboring Sudan is forcing many to escape the country who are increasingly make their way to Libya. More than 35,000 Sudanese refugees are already registered with UNHCR in Libya.
UNHCR is working closely with Libyan authorities and other stakeholders to provide assistance to Sudanese refugees as well as refugees from different nationalities, but more financial resources are needed to ensure basic support until they can return home safely.
Mr. Gharaibeh extended his gratitude to the Libyan authorities for facilitating the exit of refugees on humanitarian evacuations and advocated to countries, especially in Europe to show continued solidarity and compassion towards refugees, allowing for more safe alternative pathways out of Libya.
For more information:
Sanne Biesmans +216 54 142 917 biesmans@unhcr.org
Ziyad Alhamadi +218 911 633 375 alhamadi@unhcr.org