UNHCR Appeals to the International Community to Assist Sudanese Refugees in Libya

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As the number of Sudanese refugees continues to rise and temperatures plummet, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Libya has called for 22 million to meet the needs of nearly half a million refugees and host communities in Libya by the end of 2025.

Since the beginning of the year, the number of Sudanese refugees in Libya has doubled, with an estimated 400 refugees arriving daily. Sudan’s crisis has led to widespread displacement across the region, with 8.4 million people internally displaced in Sudan and 3.1 million Sudanese refugees in neighboring countries, including approximately 210,000 in Libya.

UNHCR’s Chief of Mission in Libya, Asir Almudaiyan, stated, “Alongside the commitment of Libyan authorities and communities to supporting Sudanese fleeing the conflict, additional international support is needed to enhance access to food, clean water, healthcare, and education.”

The UNHCR is providing support to refugees, local authorities, and host communities in the city of Kufra, the main entry point from Sudan. This includes healthcare services, relief distribution, and assistance in obtaining documents provided by local authorities to improve freedom of movement and protection.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the UNHCR highlighted that refugees and host communities in remote areas like Kufra face particularly harsh conditions. Food prices in Kufra are 19% higher than the national average due to disrupted supply chains, increased demand, and fuel shortages—all exacerbated by the ongoing war in Sudan. With the high cost of living, many refugees are struggling to survive in challenging living conditions. Urgent assistance, including blankets, warm clothing, and shelter materials, is needed to help refugees endure the winter season.

UNHCR reported that around 60,000 refugees have received essential relief items, including mattresses, blankets, kitchen sets, solar lamps, and hygiene kits. It has also supported 16 clinics in Kufra, Benghazi, and Tripoli with essential medicines and supplies, rehabilitated several schools and hospitals, and directly engaged with Sudanese refugees to identify and address their specific needs.

However, UNHCR stressed that with the daily arrival of more refugees from Sudan and dwindling resources, urgent funding is needed to scale up activities across Libya. This includes supporting health centers in Kufra, improving living conditions, and meeting the needs of the most vulnerable refugees.

The agency called on the international community to "provide critical support for Libya’s humanitarian efforts to assist Sudanese refugees."

“Refugees in Libya have endured immense hardships on their journey here,” Almudaiyan said. “As we enter a new year, we must act swiftly to prevent further suffering and protect lives.”