Libya: Hundreds of migrants in Tripoli stuck and in need of aid and protection

Dr. Mohamad Dalwai provides a medical consultation to one of the 800-1000 migrants and refugees who are living amongst boats on an abandoned military base on the outskirts of Tripoli. © Ron Haviv/VII

Tripoli, August 30th 2011 - Hundreds of vulnerable migrants and refugees in Tripoli are living in appalling conditions without proper medical care or security, according to Médecins sans Frontières. The international medical humanitarian organisation, which has started providing basic health care to two communities of displaced foreign nationals, says they need urgent protection and assistance.

One community of about 1000 refugees and migrants lives in and around boats on an abandoned military base in Tripoli, while another group of 200 have sought shelter on a farm since fighting broke out in southern areas of Tripoli.

‘Many of these people already fled from fighting in their home countries, such as Somalia, Sudan or other African countries’, says Simon Burroughs, Médecins sans Frontières’ emergency coordinator in Tripoli. ‘Some people came to these makeshift camps looking for a way to cross by boat to Europe – while others came to seek refuge from the fighting in Tripoli. All of them remain trapped with nowhere to go.’

Médecins sans Frontières has provided medical consultations in both locations and is planning to distribute clean drinking water and hygiene items.

‘Many suffer from respiratory infections, skin diseases and gastro-intestinal complaints,’ describes Médecins sans Frontières medical coordinator Dr. Paulo Reis. ‘These medical problems are linked to their very poor living conditions. Most of the medical conditions we have treated are also stress-related – including difficulty sleeping at night due to extreme and constant fear.’

Patients have told Médecins sans Frontières how they are unable to leave the makeshift camps due to the fear of being harassed, beaten or arrested within the city. They told the Médecins sans Frontières team that they have been threatened at night by unidentified armed men. Those migrants staying on the farm have been ordered to leave immediately.

National authorities, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) need to ensure the protection and basic needs of these refugees and migrants trapped in and around Tripoli.

Médecins sans Frontières, which provides assistance to refugees and migrants in Tunisia and in southern Italy, stresses that international borders must remain open; both neighbouring states and European governments must ensure access to asylum procedures and humane reception conditions.

In Tripoli, Médecins sans Frontières continues to support strained medical facilities with medical supplies and staff when needed. Médecins sans Frontières medical and surgical teams are supporting Libyan medical staff in Tripoli’s Central Hospital and in the Ben Ashour clinic. A boat with more than 10 tons of medical and logistical supplies will arrive in Tripoli today, 30th August.

Médecins sans Frontières has been present in Libya since February 25 and currently provides impartial medical and humanitarian assistance in Benghazi, Misrata, Tripoli, Yefren, Zawiyah, Zintan and Zlitan. To ensure the independence of its medical work, Médecins sans Frontières relies solely on private financial donations to fund its activities in Libya and does not accept funding from any government, donor agency, or from any military or politically affiliated group.

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