Latest News from Libya
- PWS&D Responding in Libya — Jun 23rd, 2011
A map showing numbers of refugees fleeing the Libyan conflict as of June 16. Click to view larger. Source: United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
Johnny Thomsen, an explosive ordnance disposal technician, works with the ACT Alliance de-mining team to clear dangerous artillery. Photo: Paul Jeffrey, ACT.
Misrata, a beseiged Libyan town. Photo: Paul Jeffrey, ACT.
The ongoing conflict in Libya between Gaddafi’s government and opposition forces—predominantly on the northern coast—has resulted in massive numbers of civilians fleeing the violence. Since the conflict began in February 2011, more than 710,000 people have fled Libya, many of whom are migrant workers primarily from Mali, Egypt and Chad. The vast majority of refugees fled to Tunisia and Egypt while others fled to neighbouring countries. PWS&D is responding through the ACT Alliance to support those most affected by the conflict in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya.
Tunisia
In Tunisia, 5,000 men, women and children will receive clean water and improved sanitation facilities, psychosocial support and tents for shelter in refugee camps. Approximately 95% of the beneficiaries will be Libyan refugees in and around the camps, and relief efforts will target the most vulnerable women, men, children and the elderly.
Egypt
In Egypt, cash-for-work programs will support 760 families with an income to secure their basic needs, along with a voucher system that will improve access to food and other essential items.
Libya
In Libya, de-mining activities are already underway in areas where heavy fighting has taken place, to clear mines and other unexploded artillery that pose a serious threat to civilians and humanitarian workers. Clearing the arms will enable humanitarian relief to reach 300,000 women, children and other vulnerable groups, and help families resume their daily activities without fear.
You Can Help!
Your prayerful and financial support will help ensure refugees access their basic needs and families remaining in Libya will have a safer place to live. You can make a donation to PWS&D’s work in Libya by contributing through your church, mailing a cheque to the office, donating online or calling 1-800-619-7301 ext. 291. Please mark all donations as “Libya Relief.”
PWS&D is a member of the ACT Alliance, a global network of churches responding to disaster and emergency situations around the world.
