21 March, 2011 - A popular uprising against the four-decade long rule of Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi began on February 16th, 2011. Conflict between pro- and anti- government forces has resulted in instability. Hundreds of thousands of people, mostly migrant workers, have crossed the borders into neighbouring countries (Egypt and Tunisia). Many third country nationals have become stranded at the border. Affected populations, both inside and outside of Libya, are in need of food, non-food items, water, sanitation, and medical attention. With CIDA's support, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) provides support to displaced populations affected by the crisis in Libya for an initial period of three months. In Tunisia, UNHCR provides protection and assistance to an estimated 90,000 people crossing the border and accommodated at transit facilities while awaiting onward transport. Assistance includes the supply of basic non-food items (i.e. tents, blankets, mattresses, etc.), water, medical care and supplies, counselling of new arrivals, and identification and protection of vulnerable individuals and potential refugee claimants. UNHCR also provides the necessary financial support to host communities to assist them in coping with the influx. In Egypt, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM)’s evacuation and transport services, UNHCR addresses the immediate water, medical, and non-food needs of people stranded at the border as a result of a lack of identity documents. It also expects to assist the Government of Egypt in addressing the determination, protection, and possible resettlement of potential refugee claimants. In Libya, as access allows, UNHCR provides counselling, protection, and support to existing third-country refugee populations and host communities affected by the upheaval.
