March 11, 2011
The political protests and violent crackdown in Libya has caused nearly 250,000 people to flee, mainly into neighbouring Tunisia and Egypt, and to a lesser degree into Niger. CARE has well established and active programs in both Egypt and Niger which are primarily focused on development. CARE strongly condemns the violence and calls for protection of civilians. CARE has sent emergency teams to Tunisia and Egypt to conduct assessments on the border with Libya. We are coordinating with other agencies to determine how best we can meet the needs of people affected and prepare for future possible scenarios depending on how the situation evolves.
Libya
The situation in Libya remains serious and many civilians have been affected by the violence. At this point, the main humanitarian needs in Libya appear to be for medical assistance, and specific medical aid agencies are responding. CARE is not currently working in Libya and is focusing on people leaving the country. Latest information indicates that there are high levels of risk for any non-nationals attempting to enter the country even for humanitarian purposes; CARE will continue to monitor the situation closely in case the humanitarian situation deteriorates further.
Tunisia
More than 130,000 people, almost all migrant workers from various countries have fled Libya to Tunisia since Feb. 22. In coordination with the UN and other aid agencies, CARE has sent an assessment team to Tunisia to determine how we might provide complementary assistance and respond quickly should the situation deteriorate and more people cross the border.
Egypt
More than 100,000 people have crossed from Libya since Feb. 22. The majority of these people are Egyptian nationals who have already been transported to other towns and cities. Up to 3,000 non-Egyptians, most of them migrant workers, are waiting at the border and search for opportunities to go home. CARE has distributed hygiene kits with soap, sanitary pads, baby diapers as well as food and milk. CARE is ready to expand its response if needed, but for now Egyptian authorities are providing emergency assistance. However, in case more civilians cross into Egypt, CARE’s emergency team is preparing contingency plans to assist quickly. CARE continues to operate its programs in education, governance, and women’s rights in Egypt, and to help communities to recover from the recent political unrest.
Niger
Roughly 2,200 people have so far crossed the border into Niger. CARE, which has ongoing programs in health, water and food security and extensive experience in emergency response, is preparing to help should the civilians need assistance. Those who crossed the border came without any assets or resources. Most of those fleeing are migrant workers who will likely head home.
About CARE: Founded in 1945, CARE is a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty. Working side by side with poor people in 70 countries, CARE helps empower communities to address the greatest threats to their survival. Women are at the heart of CARE’s efforts to improve health, education and economic development because experience shows that a woman’s achievements yield dramatic benefits for her entire family. CARE is also committed to providing lifesaving assistance during times of crisis, and helping rebuild safer, stronger communities afterward. We advocate for policies that defend the dignity of all people and promote the eradication of poverty.