UNHCR Update Libya (24 January 2023) [EN/AR] – Libya

Highlights

On 18 and 19 January, UNHCR provided two 30 KVA generators to Al-Qulla Health Centre in Bergen (780 km south of Tripoli) and Al-Owainat Health Centre in Ghat (1,220 km south of Tripoli), in south of Libya. Both centres, which were chosen based on consultations with the local authorities, provide primary healthcare services to displaced people and host community, and the generators will ensure continuity of services during power outages. The donations were part of UNHCR’s Quick Impact Projects, aiming to improve community resilience and peaceful coexistence among displaced people, returnees, and the host community.
Population Movements In the first two weeks of 2023, more than 1,100 individuals have been reported as rescued or intercepted by the Libyan authorities. Last week, no disembarkation was recorded. Two unidentified dead bodies were recovered by the Ambulance and Emergency Services (AES) near the city of Zueitina.
UNHCR Response UNHCR, with partners, continues to provide help and services to some of the most vulnerable asylum-seekers and refugees. Last week, partner International Rescue Committee (IRC) distributed non-food items (NFIs) to 82 individuals, including 28 women and nine children at the Community Day Centre (CDC). IRC also carried out NFI distributions to 214 individuals, including 82 women, in various areas of Tripoli. Partner CESVI provided emergency cash assistance to a total of 42 households (89 individuals) at the CDC. UNHCR distributed clothing kits to 21 vulnerable asylum-seekers and refugees, including three women and three children, in Serraj Office, Tripoli.
Through partner IRC, UNHCR provides health services at different public primary healthcare centres in Tripoli. Last week, IRC provided 332 general health and reproductive health consultations, 71 mental health consultations and referred 25 individuals to public hospitals and private clinics. IRC medical team also supported 35 individuals through the 24/7 hotline, 22 of whom were referred for secondary medical assessments.
As of 15 January, 3,276 people are estimated to be in detention centres (DCs) across Libya, of whom more than 700 are from nationalities UNHCR is authorized to register.
IRC distributed non-food items to 368 individuals, including 318 women and 50 children, in Abusliem DC. Last week, IRC also carried out visits to Triq Al-Sikka, Triq Al-Matar and Ain Zara DCs, where more than 140 medical consultations were provided.
At the Serraj Registration Centre, UNHCR identified 54 individuals who managed to escape or who were released from trafficking camps. They were all referred for protection interviews to identify their needs and provide the necessary assistance. Last week, 22 best interest assessments and 44 protection needs assessments were conducted with children and adults to identify their protection concerns, and assess their needs, including referrals to specialized services. UNHCR identified 15 children with education needs through detailed surveys conducted with their caregivers. Accordingly, they were referred to UNICEF for them to be supported for their enrolment in public schools or and in non-formal education provided at Beyti centres.
UNHCR outreach team carried out a field visit in Alsabaa in Tripoli reaching 21 Ethiopian nationals. Referrals were made for specialized services according to the identified needs.
Last week, as part of the community-based care arrangement programme run by partner CESVI, three individuals were placed in care arrangements and six individuals were integrated within the community. As of 19 January, there were around 50 active caregivers across Tripoli, with more than 110 vulnerable asylum-seekers and refugees benefitting from the programme. The vetted caregivers help to host unaccompanied children and women at risk, as well as people with specific medical conditions, on a temporary basis until longer-term solutions are identified.