danishdemininggroup.dk: Preparing for support in North Africa

Preparing for support in North Africa

02.03.11

The massive exodus from Libya has left needs for urgent assistance to the displaced. It is estimated that more than 140,000 people have crossed the border to Tunisia and Egypt, and with the majority of them being migrant workers. Among those fleeing Libya are also Libyan nationals who will be in need of temporary protection and possibly assistance to return home once the situation in Libya has stabilised.

While there is an urgent need for a rapid response to the many migrant labours who have left Libya, another need is emerging with a growing number of Libyan fleeing. Several thousand of those fleeing unrest are Libyan nationals who are seeking protection in the neighbouring Tunisia and Egypt. The Danish Refugee Council is closely monitoring the situation to look into possible interventions in North Africa.

The Danish Refugee Council, through its offices and operations in the Middle East, is monitoring the situation and is already in close contact with the UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR.

More than half of the estimated 140,000 who have left Libya have reportedly crossed the border to Tunisia, while the remaining migrants have crossed to the neighbouring Egypt. Besides an acute need for relief to migrant groups stuck along the border, the Danish Refugee Council is assessing needs for support for the increasing number of Libyans fleeing.

"Besides the immediate need for emergency aid, it is imperative to be aware also of future needs for assistance and protection. Most of the migrants may be able to return home shortly, but there will be a larger group of Libyan nationals who will need help to returning to Libya when the situation is more settled," says Ann Mary Olsen, head of the International Department of the Danish Refugee Council.

It is estimated that there are now nearly 5,000 Libyans among those who have left Libya for protection in neighbouring countries. The Danish Refugee Council is looking into a variety of possible interventions depending on the developments in North Africa.

"With the escalating insecurity in Libya it is important to prepare for different scenarios depending on the situation, and look into how we can help protecting possible refugees, says Ann Mary Olsen.

Back to: News