In a recent report by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the spotlight was thrown on the negative impacts of conflicts in Libya on its people, particularly concerning food and health security. The report highlighted the relative stability achieved since 2020, in the political and security spheres. However, this stability has not led to improvements in the weak healthcare system, burdened by a decade of conflicts.
The report warned of the risks associated with declining vaccination rates in Libya, making its population vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases. This situation is further exacerbated by the significant global rise in food prices, due to the Russian-Ukrainian crisis, affecting Libyan food security.
More than a decade after the Arab Spring and the ensuing civil war, Libya remains in a fragile state, struggling with the economic impacts of COVID-19, and political instability. A ceasefire in October 2020, and the formation of a unity government in March 2021 have not resolved key issues, hindering the development of a new constitution and the conduct of free and open elections. The prolonged crisis has led to a liquidity crunch, devaluation of currency, and a regression in progress against malnutrition, with about 324,000 people still in need of food assistance.
A major oil-producing nation, Libya’s oil wealth has not significantly benefited its citizens. Until 2011, a welfare state partially offset food costs through free education, healthcare, and public services. However, this has changed in the recent decade.
The World Food Programme (WFP) has increased its presence in Libya since 2018, assisting around 90,000 people each month. This includes providing food assistance to vulnerable individuals, a nutrition-sensitive school feeding program, a human-capital development program for youth and women, and a conflict-sensitive community asset creation program. These initiatives aim to bolster resilience, and capacity strengthening support.
WFP’s support in Libya is multifaceted. It includes the distribution of food or cash-based transfers to food-insecure and vulnerable people, including internally displaced persons, returnees, and migrants in urban areas. The organisation also launched a nutrition-sensitive school feeding program in 2019, targeting 70,000 children. Moreover, WFP’s food assistance for training activities helps increase household resilience, through providing vocational skills training aligned with local job market needs, and supports distinguished graduates in starting small projects.
It co-leads interagency groups focusing on sustainable economic recovery, social and human capital development, and addressing climate change, water, and environmental issues. These efforts are part of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for 2023-2025. WFP also plays a pivotal role in managing United Nations facilities in Benghazi, and Sebha, strengthening the humanitarian community’s capacity.
Additionally, WFP facilitates a targeted and coordinated response by sharing Vulnerability Analysis Mapping bulletins with partners, and conducting food security and social protection surveys for migrant and non-Libyan vulnerable groups. This is done in collaboration with the Libyan Government, agencies and NGOs to monitor food security outcomes, conduct multi-sectoral need assessments, and monitor local market prices.
The complexities of Libya’s current situation highlight the interplay of political instability, economic challenges, and the dire need for humanitarian assistance. The concerted efforts of international organisations like the WFP and the government are crucial in addressing these challenges, and ensuring the well-being of the Libyan populace.