Highlights
• On 11 August, forces loyal to the Presidential Council and Government of National Accord announced significant advances in the fight against the Islamic State in the city of Sirte. The UN and its partners estimate that 120,000 people are affected by the conflict with around 60 per cent (72,000 people) in need of humanitarian assistance and protection, including 32,000 children. Government officials in Sirte have voiced their concerns about widespread buried mines in the city, making it difficult for returnees to settle in the city.
• As part of the “Together for Children” campaign, and based on the Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) signed by UNICEF and Sebratha municipality, the latter committed to support the release, rehabilitation and reintegration of children associated with armed groups. Based on that, UNICEF organized a workshop for 26 stakeholders from Sebratha from 29 August to 2nd September to train them on international standards related to protection of children in armed conflicts.
• In August, 1,590 children (904 boys and 694 girls) benefitted from structured psychosocial services in Ghat, Sebha, Alzawiyah, Tripoli and Beni Waleed. Additionally, 162 children (108 boys and 54 girls) benefitted from specialized psychosocial services.
• As of August, UNICEF has received only US$ 9,240,100 against its HAC, which is not sufficient to provide the required level of assistance to the women and children affected by the conflict, especially in the health sector which has a funding gap of 90 per cent.
Situation Overview & Humanitarian Needs
On 11 August, the Presidency Council announced military advances in the fight against the Islamic State in the city of Sirte. Returns of displaced populations are expected to accelerate once the Government of National Accord announce military success in the city of Sirte. Families returning to the city are facing difficult conditions, with reports of an urgent need for drinking water and basic supplies, including food stocks. Health services have been severely disrupted with lack of life-saving medicine. Explosive remnants of war and explosive devices are of particular concern.
In Tripoli, several protests and strikes were reported, mainly due to the increasing frequency of lengthy electricity and water outages. In some areas where conflict has ended, delays in the repair of schools and roads, and in restoring access to water have impeded the process of the return of IDPS.
During the month of August, IOM1 identified a total of 348,372 Internally Displaced Persons, 310,265 returnees and 276,957 migrants in Libya, while UNHCR2 reports that the agency has registered to date 37,744 individuals, among which 28,444 are asylum seekers while 9,300 are refugees.