The United Nations has revealed that humanitarian needs in Libya have decreased by about 50%, noting its focus on finding durable solutions for internally displaced persons and managing migration to improve conditions.
This came in the annual report prepared for the Social and Economic Council, and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, which will hold its new session between 25-26 July.
The report revealed a decrease of 47% in the total humanitarian needs in Libya during the year 2022, compared to 2021.
It pointed out that there are about 328,000 people in need, indicating at the same time that the inhumane treatment of refugees and immigrants is still a major concern for the UN organization.
The UN body, in partnership with the Libyan government and stakeholders across the country, launched the United Nations Framework for Cooperation for Sustainable Development for the period 2023-2025.
Due to the improvement in the humanitarian situation, the Humanitarian Response Plan has been phased out. The remaining needs will be addressed by focusing on durable solutions for internally displaced persons and migration management.
The conflict that began in Libya in 2011 forced about a million people from their homes, mostly to cities such as the capital, Tripoli. Trapped in displacement, they struggled to find work, cover their basic needs, get a good education for their children, stay healthy, and feel safe.
When hostilities began to cease, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and partners worked with national and local governments to rebuild trust with citizens who had gone through years of civil war and displacement.
When Misrata and Tawergha signed a UN-mediated peace treaty to end the conflict between the two cities in 2018, IDP’s from Tawergha could contemplate returning, ending a seven-year-long chapter of conflict and displacement.
“When the roads were reopened, I quit my job in Tripoli, packed my belongings, and returned to my city,” said Faisal Essa, who had fled Tawergha in 2011 along with 95% of its residents due to the heavy fighting and reprisal attacks.
Faisal and others found their homes and infrastructure badly damaged, and a fragile economy that made recovery even more complicated.