In February 2011, anti-government protests erupted in Libya and soon turned violent. Fierce fighting is continuing between government forces and the opposition in Libya, as air strikes by international coalition forces under the authority of UN resolution 1973 continues to attack military targets. The guarantee of protection for civilians in Libya given by the UN Security Council resolution is a significant step forward for children and their families.
However, the situation in areas caught up in intense fighting, such as Misrata and Ajdebya, is of grave concern. In these areas, extensive destruction has killed and injured children, and left families without water, fuel or electricity. Children caught up in the midst of the violence are likely to be deeply affected by what they have seen and heard. As of mid April, over 510,000 people have fled Libya into neighboring countries, Tunisia to the west and Egypt to the east. As internal displacements grow, concerns over the needs for additional humanitarian assistance rise.
Save the Children is calling on all the parties to this conflict to make every effort to ensure that children are protected. The international community needs to make sure that families across Libya have access to humanitarian assistance and protection. This means safe, free and voluntary movement must be restored for families and humanitarian agencies.
Somali child play at a UNCHR refugee camp near the Tunisian border. Photo: Paulo Siqueira
What Save the Children is doing:
- Our emergency response team, which includes logistics and technical specialists, has conducted rapid needs assessment in eastern Libya and has distributed supplies to vulnerable families through community networks.
- Save the Children teams are also operating in the humanitarian camps set up on the Tunisian border with Libya, focusing on setting up learning and play activities for children, and on improving sanitation in the camps.
- We're setting up safe places in the camps for children to play, and training local social workers in child protection to ensure children are kept safe in the chaos.
Men participate in a cash-for-work programme. Photo: Paulo Siqueira
Examples of Save the Children programme response:
- A cash for work programme has been started to clean up the camp on the Tunisia/Libya border in conjunction with IRC and ACF Spain and 750 hygiene kits have been distributed in the camp.
- SC is working to set-up integrated service centres for families and children in Choucha Camp and Emirates Camp. The project includes contingency stocks to expand services if larger numbers of families cross into Tunisia. Services provided will include health, nutrition, education, baby WASH and psychosocial support.
- SC has carried out Child Protection in Emergencies Training for a team of 32 Tunisian social workers and psychologists. This team is available to conduct a Rapid Child Protection Assessment inside Western Libya and to work on general child protection activities within the camp should the situation deteriorate.
- With UNICEF’s support, SC held a children’s day for children who have been displaced from Ajdabiya, including drama, singing, dancing and painting. Over 400 children have been reached so far.
Save the Children produces biweekly situational reports for that latest updates on the situation in Libya. For more information contact Cat Carter, Emergency Communications Manager, c.carter@savethechildren.org.uk, +44 (0)207 012 6697 / +44 (0)7989 832 326