With the number of Sudanese refugees seeking shelter in Libya doubling since the start of 2024, the urgent need for humanitarian aid has become glaringly evident. Approximately 400 new refugees arrive daily, escaping the severe violence and instability engulfing their home country. The UNHCR, the United Nations Refugee Agency, reports the total number of Sudanese refugees now approaches 210,000 within Libya, adding to the staggering 8.4 million internally displaced individuals within Sudan itself.
The growing crisis has forced UNHCR to escalate its aid operations extensively. Aseer Al-Madaien, head of the UNHCR mission in Libya, emphasized the pressing need for additional financial support, stating, "Besides the efforts of Libyan authorities and communities to support Sudanese fleeing the conflict, additional support from the international community is needed to improve access to food, clean water, health care, and education." Access to these basic necessities is rapidly diminishing, creating dire situations for both refugees and local host communities.
Alkufra, the main entry point for refugees crossing from Sudan, is struggling under heavy burdens. The area contends with not only the influx of refugees but also rising living costs attributed to disrupted supply chains and fuel shortages. Food prices, for example, have surged to 19 percent above the national average. This stark reality amplifies the already challenging circumstances for the new arrivals, who face the harsh realities of cold weather and inadequate supplies.
To combat these challenges, UNHCR has ramped up its efforts on various fronts. Since the influx of refugees increased, UNHCR has successfully distributed emergency assistance to approximately 60,000 refugees, including essentials like mattresses, blankets, kitchen sets, solar lamps, and hygiene kits. Notably, they also support 16 clinics across Alkufra, Benghazi, and Tripoli, ensuring these facilities are stocked with necessary medicines and medical supplies.
“Refugees in Libya have faced harsh conditions on their journeys here,” Al-Madaien said. “Now as we enter the new year, we need to act quickly to prevent more suffering and protect lives.” His statements reveal the dire emotional and physical toll the situation places on individuals and families uprooted from their homes.
UNHCR's work extends beyond immediate aid; it includes long-term strategies to restore dignity to displaced persons. They are collaborating with local authorities to bolster medical and educational support systems necessary for integrating refugees within host communities. Maintaining this focus is imperative, particularly as the agency anticipates the need to assist about 449,000 refugees and local populations until the end of 2025.
The urgency of the situation calls for immediate international support. Al-Madaien insists on the necessity of external interventions and funding to expand the operations on the ground. Without this help, many vulnerable individuals could suffer even more severe consequences from the current humanitarian crisis.
With each passing day, the conditions for the incoming Sudanese refugees worsen. International engagement is not just recommended; it is imperative to address their needs, safeguard their futures, and uphold human dignity against the backdrop of overwhelming adversity. The humanitarian call to action is louder than ever as the crisis continues to evolve.
