Tripoli, 11 July – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Libya is scaling up its support to individuals affected by the conflict in Sudan, including Sudanese nationals, Third-Country Nationals (TCNs) and host communities in Libya thanks to a generous contribution from the Government of France.

The new funding will allow IOM to provide primary health care services, mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), direct assistance, and protection support for the affected populations, building on its extensive presence in the country, with staff operating across the main migratory routes across Libya. This includes Al Kufra, which is the main entry point in Libya for the Sudanese and TCNs.

“Since the onset of the conflict in Sudan in April 2023, Libya has witnessed a significant influx of Sudanese” said Nicoletta Giordano, IOM Libya Chief of Mission. “The Sudanese community in Libya and the Libyan authorities have been assisting new arrivals, yet their increasing numbers have stretched public facilities to the limit: additional support is needed.”

More than a year since the start of the conflict, Sudan is experiencing a humanitarian crisis of epic proportions that is affecting neighbouring countries including Libya. More than 12.5 million people have been displaced. 10.5 million of these are internally displaced in Sudan in what is the largest displacement globally. Over 2 million more have fled across borders including to Libya.  

As of June 2024, IOM’s Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) reported over 725,000 migrants in Libya, with UNHCR registering over 62,000 refugees and asylum-seekers. Among these, Sudanese nationals represent the largest population, accounting for 60 per cent of those registered with UNHCR.

IOM is providing multi-sector assistance to displaced Sudanese and TCNs throughout Libya. This includes psychosocial support to those affected by the conflict, case management services, primary health care services, and direct assistance in Bani Waleed, Al Gatroun, Ghat, Sabha, Tripoli, and Zwara. 

Furthermore, IOM plans to establish its Migrant Resource and Response Mechanism (MRRM) base in Al Kufra to provide a wide range of humanitarian services to those in need under one integrated modality. In coordination with the UNHCR Regional Refugee Response Plan and to ensure the continuity of its essential support, IOM Libya is appealing for additional resources to sustain and expand its efforts. 

France's contribution underscores the longstanding partnership with IOM, reflecting a shared commitment to humanitarian principles and to assisting displaced populations.

For more information, please contact:

In Libya, Giacomo Terenzi, gterenzi@iom.int