The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has provided humanitarian assistance to more than 2,100 displaced people in Marj, a city in eastern Libya. The aid effort targeted Sudanese refugees and vulnerable Libyan families affected by the ongoing conflict in neighbouring Sudan.
According to UNHCR, over 1,600 Sudanese refugees who fled the war, along with 500 members of the Libyan host community, received vital supplies. Many of those displaced expressed a desire to return home, but ongoing violence and instability in Sudan have made that impossible.
The relief distribution included essential non-food items such as mattresses, blankets, plastic sheets, mats, buckets, soap, and hygiene kits. Additional support included baby kits and clothing kits to meet the basic needs of families living in temporary conditions.
The conflict in Sudan, which erupted in 2023, has forced hundreds of thousands of people to flee to neighbouring countries, including Libya. Many of the Sudanese refugees in Libya face uncertain futures, with limited access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. Eastern Libya, which has remained relatively stable compared to the west, continues to host a growing number of displaced people.
UNHCR stressed the importance of continued international support to address the growing humanitarian needs of refugees and displaced Libyan families alike. The agency continues to work with local partners and authorities to ensure aid reaches those most in need, despite limited funding and logistical challenges.
The distribution in Marj is part of UNHCR’s broader efforts to assist displaced populations across Libya, particularly those impacted by regional conflicts.