Highlights
As part of ongoing efforts to support the Libyan health sector across the country, UNHCR donated four generators to healthcare facilities in the east and southeast of the country with the aim of ensuring continuity of services during power outages. Generators were provided to health facilities in Kufra (1,030 km south of Benghazi), Derna (293 km east of Benghazi), and Tobruk (434 km east of Benghazi). The locations were chosen due to the large number of internally displaced people, refugees, and asylum-seekers who will benefit from medical services at these locations.
On 23 February, UNHCR provided a virtual session on child protection and gender-based violence to eleven operators of the Tawasul hotline (Common Feedback Mechanism) as part of the capacity development efforts of frontline staff, also to ensure accurate counselling and referrals to UNHCR and partners. The session covered child protection risks affecting children, the definition of child protection and gender-based violence, prevention and response mechanisms, gender norms, guiding principles as well as considerations on disclosure and priority response services.
In collaboration with the Libyan authorities, UNHCR continues identifying schools and healthcare centres to target their needs through the Quick Impact Projects (QIPs), focusing on renovations of infrastructure, health and education interventions, and material or technical support for regional and national authorities. QIPs aim to promote peaceful co-existence between displaced Libyans, refugees, asylum-seekers, and the host community.
On 21 February, UNHCR, represented by a multifunctional team, carried out a community meeting with seven community mobilizers and community members from Eritrea and Ethiopia in the Community Day Centre (CDC). The group was briefed on UNHCR and partners’ services and solutions, and discussions were held on the participants’ feedback, concerns, and suggestions.
Population Movements
So far in 2023, more than 3,000 individuals have been reported as rescued or intercepted by the Libyan authorities. Last week, partner International Rescue Committee (IRC) responded to four disembarkations, with more than 100 survivors. Three disembarkations were carried out by the Libyan Coast Guard at Tripoli Naval Base and one operation by General Administration of Coastal Security at Tripoli Commercial Port, where medical assistance and non-food items (NFIs) were provided to survivors. Last week, 17 dead bodies were recovered along the Libyan shores and 17 people were reported missing.
UNHCR Response
UNHCR, with partners, continues to provide help and services to some of the most vulnerable asylum-seekers and refugees. Last week, IRC distributed NFIs to 185 individuals, including 54 women and 44 children at the CDC. IRC also reached 110 asylum-seekers and refugees, including 32 women, across Tripoli, through NFI distributions. Partner CESVI provided emergency cash assistance to a total of 205 households (379 individuals) at the CDC. Last week, IRC provided 449 general health and reproductive health consultations, and referred 60 individuals to public hospitals and private clinics.
At the Serraj Registration Centre, UNHCR identified 53 individuals who have reportedly escaped or been released from trafficking camps. They were all referred for protection interviews to identify their needs and provide the necessary assistance. Last week, 21 best interest assessments and 79 protection needs assessments were conducted with children and adults to identify their protection concerns, and assess their needs, including referrals to specialized services.
UNHCR outreach team carried out a field visit in Ghout Al-Fellah in Tripoli targeting a group of seven Eritrean nationals who live in a collective shelter which usually receives survivors of violence and trafficking released from trafficking camps. Several issues and vulnerabilities were identified, and 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 arrangement and eight individuals were integrated within their communities. As of 26 February, there were around 50 active caregivers across Tripoli, with around 120 vulnerable asylum-seekers and refugees benefitting from the programme.
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