The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has raised concerns over escalating humanitarian needs in Libya, driven by the arrival of hundreds of thousands of Sudanese refugees fleeing conflict. In a statement released on Sunday, WFP highlighted an urgent funding gap of $18.6 million to cover essential humanitarian assistance through July 2025.
According to the UNHCR, at least 240,000 Sudanese refugees had crossed into Libya by the end of January. The influx has significantly increased the strain on Libya’s already fragile services, particularly in the areas of health, food security, shelter, and cash-based assistance.
WFP reported that it assisted over 70,279 people across Libya in January alone, distributing 623 metric tonnes of food. Additionally, the programme provided cash-based transfers amounting to $62,580 during the same period. Despite these efforts, the agency stressed the need for further funding to sustain operations and meet the growing demand.
In alignment with the 2025 Refugee Response Plan for Libya, WFP expanded its support to Sudanese refugees and host communities. The agency confirmed that 69,500 Sudanese refugees received life-saving food assistance and cash transfers. WFP underscored that without adequate funding, its ability to deliver critical aid will be severely hampered.
Looking ahead, the regional Refugee Response Plan for Sudanese refugees is set to launch next month. The plan includes a total financial requirement of $107 million to support an estimated 446,000 Sudanese refugees and host communities in Libya throughout 2025. WFP’s share of the funding amounts to $13.5 million, intended to assist 50,000 refugees each month next year.
WFP reiterated its call for international donors to step up support, warning that delays in funding could exacerbate the humanitarian crisis and worsen conditions for vulnerable refugees and Libyan communities alike.
