The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) stated that it is continuing its work in Libya, despite the armed clashes that took place in Tripoli.
In a statement, UNHCR said: “Due to clashes that broke out in Tripoli on 27 August, UNHCR staff were instructed to work from home on 28 and 29 August, and the Serraj office and the Community Day Centre (CDC) were closed.”
It added that some damage was caused to the CDC building, as the adjacent building was hit by a missile. A full assessment and clean-up of the premises is still ongoing, but the damage is described as minor. The CDC is expected to reopen on 31 August, and work at the Serraj office resumed as of 30 August.
The UN body explained that on 24 and 29 August, UNHCR resettled 71 refugees, including 11 women and 19 children from Libya to Europe. This was with logistical support from the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Since 2017, 8,785 asylum seekers and refugees have departed from Libya on direct resettlement and evacuation flights. As well as through complementary pathways, including humanitarian visas and family reunification, the statement noted.
Earlier in August, UNHCR announced that it has evacuated 103 asylum seekers from Libya to safety in Rwanda.
“We urge countries to provide more legal pathways to help vulnerable asylum seekers find safety out of Libya,” and thanked “the donors for supporting these lifesaving flights,” UNHCR tweeted