The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is calling for the international community not to forget about individuals who are left behind in Libya without support from any government.
More than 13,000 people have so far benefited from Malta’s commendable efforts to facilitate evacuation and transit of nationals of various countries. However, the situation in Libya remains dire. More than 160,000 individuals have fled Libya to neighbouring countries and UNHCR is stepping up its efforts by erecting tents and providing support to the Tunisian and Egyptians authorities.
UNHCR is deeply concerned about the civilians inadvertently caught up in the mounting violence in Libya, especially asylum-seekers and refugees. Prior to the current unrest UNHCR had registered more than 8,000 refugees in Libya, with a further 3,000 asylum-seekers having pending cases. The refugee community in Malta is calling for attention to this increasingly desperate situation. Many tell of friends and relatives who remain trapped in their homes, fearing for their lives, unable to move towards the land-borders. UNHCR has received reports about refugees and migrants who have been attacked and killed in recent days.
UNHCR reiterates its call for all neighbouring states to keep their borders open to individuals who are escaping the turmoil in Libya. This week the High Commissioner for Refugees, Antonio Guterres made a plea for those who are still left behind: “There are no planes and boats to evacuate people originating from war-torn and very poor countries.” Mr. Guterres called for governments to consider the needs of all vulnerable people and not just their own citizens. “Many of these people feel targeted and afraid and have no resources.” The international community should make all possible efforts to continue to support evacuation of all those in need at this time of crisis in Libya.
In a statement yesterday Frontex rightly ruled out any “push backs and diversions” for people seeking protection.
Jon Hoisaeter, UNHCR Representative to Malta, calls for a collective response to address urgent humanitarian and protection needs: “It is time for humanitarian action and international solidarity with those who need it the most. The people who remain trapped in Libya without any support from any government must not be forgotten. Evacuation can save lives.”
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