Sudanese Refugees Struggle in Libya as Authorities Accuse the UN of Neglect
Moatinoon
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has called for increased financial support to meet the growing needs of Sudanese refugees arriving in Libya amid rising numbers and falling temperatures.
Abdullah Suleiman, spokesperson for the Kufra Municipal Council, accused the United Nations and its agencies of neglect in a press statement, asserting that they fail to fulfill their responsibilities in supporting Kufra and addressing the needs of displaced persons. He highlighted that this issue was a central focus during a meeting between Stephanie Khouri, Deputy Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya, the Mayor of Kufra, and officials from the General Command and local service institutions.
Speaking to "Libya Al-Ahrar" TV, Suleiman pointed out various concerns and criticisms directed at Khouri regarding the shortcomings of international organizations. He also mentioned that the head of the Emergency Room at the Ministry of Health expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of medical equipment and tests provided, deeming them substandard.
Suleiman stated that insufficient support directly impacts citizens and refugees, noting that one international organization provided a meager food supply barely sufficient to feed 10,000 refugees in Kufra. He described the refugees dire conditions, especially during winter, with children lacking warm clothes and blankets to shield them from the bitter cold.
He stressed the importance of having international organizations on the ground to provide effective assistance, praising the Norwegian Refugee Council, which began distributing aid supplies, including mattresses, blankets, and food, earlier today. Suleiman also highlighted urgent needs in education and healthcare, commending the World Health Organization (WHO) for being the most active in Kufra.
Growing Numbers and Pressing Needs
UNHCR announced in a statement that the number of Sudanese refugees seeking safety in Libya has doubled since the beginning of the year, with an estimated 400 refugees arriving daily.
The crisis in Sudan has triggered widespread displacement across the region, with 8.4 million people displaced internally and 3.1 million others forced to seek refuge in neighboring countries. According to estimates, around 210,000 Sudanese refugees are currently in Libya.
UNHCR operates in Kufra, the primary entry point from Sudan, where it provides emergency assistance to refugees in collaboration with local authorities and host communities.
Services offered include enhancing access to healthcare, improving living conditions through the distribution of relief supplies, and facilitating access to documentation issued by local authorities to improve freedom of movement and protection.
Challenging Conditions
Refugees and host communities in remote areas like Kufra face particularly harsh conditions. Food prices in Kufra have risen by 19% compared to the national average due to supply chain disruptions, increased demand, and fuel shortages, exacerbated by the ongoing war in Sudan.
The rising cost of living compounds the challenges, with many refugees struggling to survive in substandard living conditions. There is an urgent need for assistance, including blankets, warm clothing, and enhanced shelter materials, to help refugees endure the winter.
International Appeal for Support
UNHCRs head of mission in Libya, Asir Al-Madaen, emphasized the importance of additional international support to enhance access to food, clean water, healthcare, and education for Sudanese refugees.
"Refugees in Libya have faced immense hardships during their journey here, and as we enter a new year, we must act quickly to prevent further suffering and protect lives," Al-Madaen stated.
As part of its response, UNHCR aims to secure 22 million to address the estimated needs of 449,000 refugees and host communities by the end of 2025.
In its statement, UNHCR called on the international community to provide critical support for humanitarian efforts undertaken by Libya to assist Sudanese refugees, as their numbers continue to increase daily, stretching resources to their limits.
