ADRA Aids Refugees Affected by the Libyan Crisis

SILVER SPRING, Md. As the political crisis in Libya continues to escalate, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) remains committed to provide humanitarian assistance to people affected by the ongoing turmoil.

ADRA has been on the ground since early March distributing provisions of potable water, inspecting and assessing needs related to sanitary facilities and food provision, and supporting logistical needs to ensure proper healthcare is available to refugees, specifically to those who fled to Choucha Camp inside of the neighboring country of Tunisia.

Choucha Camp is situated 30 miles (50km) from the border with Libya. As of mid-March, the camp’s population sheltered more than 17,000 refugees, all of whom were residing in Libya as immigrant workers. Inter-agency assessments revealed numerous refugees that fled Libya to escape the violence, have been denied health care and/or food, or have lost jobs due to the detrimental impact the conflict has had on the Libyan economy.

Since the conflict began in February, there has been an exodus of Libyans and immigrant workers living in Libya to neighboring countries to escape fierce clashes between rebels and Libyan Government forces. According to the International Organization of Migration (IOM), over 4000,000 people have left Libya to neighboring countries.

As ADRA’s response expands, more information will be made available.