Tunis\/Tripoli, 19 April 2019<\/p>\n
The Libya INGO Forum<\/strong>, which comprises 17 international organisations providing humanitarian assistance in Libya, is deeply concerned about the humanitarian consequences resulting from the escalation of violence in and around Tripoli.<\/p>\n Over the last two weeks, nearly 27,000 people have fled their homes<\/strong> in Tripoli and the surrounding area . According to the World Health Organization, 213 people have already been killed and 1009 wounded, including 18 civilians dead and 65 wounded<\/strong> . As the situation rapidly deteriorates and indiscriminate attacks intensify, civilian casualties and displacements are expected to increase further. People\u2019s lives have been drastically affected by the conflict and an increasing number of people are in need of humanitarian assistance.<\/p>\n Many civilians remain trapped in conflict zones and are unable to move to safer areas<\/strong>. Evacuation of those in need has proven to be challenging and medical personnel and ambulances are being indiscriminately or directly targeted. Already three medical workers have been killed and one injured since the outbreak of hostilities. Not only does it endanger the lives of health workers and their patients, but it also disrupts the provision of critically needed services.<\/p>\n The plight of refugees and migrants arbitrarily detained in or near the conflict areas is of utmost concern. While already facing dire conditions, the ongoing fighting puts them further at risk and alternatives for their relocation are quickly running out as the conflict escalates.<\/strong><\/p>\n The recent surge in violence proves, once again, that Libya is not a place of safety where migrants and refugees can be returned. Despite the country\u2019s fragile and unstable situation, the EU, in an effort to halt migrants and refugees at sea, continues to outsource its responsibilities to Libya. Those who try to cross the Mediterranean run the risk of either being brought back to a war-torn country or, in the absence of search rescue (SAR) capacities in the Central Mediterranean, losing their lives at sea.<\/p>\n The members of the Libya INGO Forum call on:<\/strong><\/p>\n The parties to the conflict to<\/strong> The European Union and its Member States to<\/strong>
\n\u2022 Abide by International Humanitarian and Human Rights Laws, guarantee safe, unimpeded and unfettered humanitarian access and allow for the safe passage of civilians and medical evacuation.
\n\u2022 Immediately cease attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructures, and stop the indiscriminate use of explosive weapons in populated areas. Explosive remnants of war will continue to place civilians in harm\u2019s way long after the conflict has ceased.<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Acknowledge that their migration policies result in the return of migrants and refugees to an unsafe country, and therefore immediately reconsider those policies. Any person rescued at sea must be taken to a safe port as required by international law.
\n\u2022 Urgently increase EU member States-supported SAR capacity in the Central Mediterranean; Review policies that prevent NGOs from conducting lifesaving humanitarian operations at sea and without delay authorize disembarkation for those rescued at sea.<\/p>\n