The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has called on the international community to act urgently to address the pressing needs of Sudanese refugees in Libya.
Libya
In a statement released on Thursday, the IRC emphasized that immediate and comprehensive measures are essential to prevent further deterioration in living conditions and mitigate the growing humanitarian crisis.
According to the IRC, over 70% of Sudanese refugee families in Libya live in inadequate housing across multiple regions. Many of these families spend more than half of their income on rent, further straining their already fragile circumstances.
The organization urged global stakeholders to mobilize resources and provide targeted support to alleviate the hardships faced by the refugees and ensure their basic needs are met.
The Sudanese refugee population in Libya has been growing steadily due to the ongoing conflict in Sudan, exacerbating challenges for humanitarian agencies operating in the region.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations.
Libya’s economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya’s economy.
The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions.
The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition.
Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges.
