Tripoli, 28 February - The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Libya is expanding its collaboration with the Government of Japan through a new generous grant of USD 630,000 supporting recovery efforts from the aftermath of Storm Daniel that hit Libya in 2023.

To acknowledge this important partnership and the reopening of the Embassy of Japan in Libya after a decade, H.E. the Japanese Ambassador to Libya, Mr. SHIMMURA Izuru and the IOM Libya’s ad interim Chief of Mission, Mr. Tauhid Pasha met in Tripoli on 28 February 2024.

With this new pledge, Japan’s financial contribution to IOM Storm Daniel related humanitarian assistance programming reaches USD 2.63 Million.

The new project will focus on the recovery of the healthcare system and providing disaster preparedness initiatives for local stakeholders, as well as providing essential socio-economic and psychosocial support to communities affected by the widespread devastation caused by the storm that left more than 44,000 people displaced in the eastern parts of Libya.

“Thanks to Japan's generous contribution, IOM has been able to provide multi-sectoral emergency assistance, including direct assistance, primary health care services, and mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) support to over 16,000 people in need.”- said Tauhid Pasha, IOM Libya’s ad interim Chief of Mission.

Just after Storm Daniel hit Libya last September, Japan funded emergency assistance through IOM, which has been instrumental in providing direct assistance, shelter, site management, health facility assessments, healthcare services as well as MHPSS interventions to those in need.

IOM has also actively collaborated with Libya’s National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) to establish an active public health surveillance network, strengthening disease surveillance capabilities in affected areas.

On his part, Ambassador SHIMMURA mentioned, “As a country which has experienced various types of natural disasters, the Government and People of Japan truly share the sufferings which affected populations need to go through. I hope Japan’s support through IOM will not only contribute to assisting recovery efforts but also strengthening the resilience against natural disasters in Libya”.

 
As the initial emergency response phase transitions into a post-disaster setting, IOM is adapting its intervention modality to address evolving priorities. While continuing to address the most urgent humanitarian needs, IOM is committed to enhancing the resilience of affected communities and supporting their recovery efforts. 
 
Looking ahead, IOM, in alignment with its Response, Recovery, and Resilience (RRR) Plan, will collaborate closely with Japan to address immediate recovery and reconstruction needs, with a key focus on disaster preparedness and prevention.

Navigating the challenges posed by Storm Daniel and its aftermath, the collaboration between IOM and the Government of Japan signifies a steadfast commitment to support the recovery and resilience of affected communities in Northeastern Libya.

ENDS

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For more information, please contact:
 
Giacomo Terenzi, IOM Libya Head of Programme Development Support Unit, gterenzi@iom.int