The Head of the Libyan High Council of State (HCS) Mohamed Takala, recently met with the Head of the Red Cross Mission in Libya Yan Farid, along with Sara Almamouhi, the Red Cross office director in Tripoli, at the council’s headquarters.
The meeting focused on the efforts and activities undertaken by the Red Cross in Libya, particularly in cooperation with Libyan institutions to provide necessary aid to victims of natural disasters, such as the floods in Derna last September.
During the discussions, Takala lauded the invaluable efforts of the Red Cross, emphasising the significance of humanitarian efforts, civil society initiatives, and international humanitarian missions in assisting disaster victims and mitigating the damages caused by such events.
This meeting highlights the ongoing commitment to strengthen collaboration between Libyan institutions and international humanitarian organisations to enhance disaster response and relief operations.
Libya has been engulfed in a cycle of civil war and political turmoil following the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The repercussions of the protracted conflict have severely impacted the quality of life for its citizens. A report released by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), last November, sheds light on the ongoing humanitarian challenges faced by the Libyan people.
Libya’s health and public service infrastructure have been severely compromised, due to the ongoing conflict. The ensuing violence and political instability have disrupted essential services, making it difficult for citizens to access basic necessities like healthcare, water, and electricity.
The ICRC report underscores the lingering challenges such as rare access to healthcare, water, electricity, and the risks posed by unexploded ordnances in urban areas. The unknown fate of many missing individuals adds to the grim reality faced by families.
The report notes a gradual, significant improvement in the general humanitarian situation of families, with a decrease in the number of individuals requiring humanitarian assistance. This shift allowed the ICRC to transition its programs from short-term emergency relief projects, to activities aimed at enhancing resilience and sustainable impact.
The ICRC is concentrating its efforts on bolstering the capacities of those most adversely affected, providing essential services to address their needs amidst declining economic resources and infrastructural damage. The goal is to maintain the ability to support urgent needs that may still exist.
