HIGHLIGHTS
Health response steps up support to clinics in the south, with WHO and IMC in the lead.
WFP’s food distribution reaches 81,000 people in April, with more than 174,000 set to receive food parcels in May.
Overall displacement figures for Libya are revised following the release of IOM’s Round 3 of the Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM), with an increase likely due to conditions in Sirte.
Thousands of families flee Sirte
Ongoing clashes, military operations and day-to-day hardships in the Islamic State controlled Sirte area have forced thousands of people to flee in recent months. The capacity of local responders is stretched to breaking point as fearful families seek safety from conflict and repression, sheltering in schools, universities, public buildings and in the streets. In March-April, IOM recorded the displacement of 1,225 families over just 15 days from Sirte, Harawa and surrounding neighbourhoods. The total number has reached 5,500, with more expected. The town of Beni Walid is accommodating the bulk of the influx of internally displaced persons (IDPs), with up to 20,000 in total.
The Libya Inter-Sector Coordination Group is prioritizing the response to Sirte IDPs. UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, IOM, WHO, in partnership with local actors, are conducting rapid assessments of their locations, numbers, and needs. OCHA is coordinating with local councils to advise on information collection, needs assessment, and activities of UN and partner organizations. Delivery of assistance has commenced to the most vulnerable groups in the most affected areas. UN agencies are working with local partners to deliver food, health, hygiene and non-food items, as well as education and recreational services.