TRIPOLI – Since May last year, almost 400 thousand displaced by violence following one another in the North African country, now prey to armed groups fighting for control of the territory. The intense fighting between rival gangs in Libya in the cities of Benghazi and Derna in the east, as well as those in Ubari in the south and Kikla in the west, are fueling the forced exodus of the population. As stated in a statement released by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) only in the last month, at least 106,420 people have been forced to leave their homes, which means that since May over 393,400 people have been displaced in cause of violence.

The difficulties in aid. Meanwhile, insecurity is hindering humanitarian operations. Humanitarian organizations are still trying to estimate the actual extent of the exodus. The UNHCR has confirmed the reports of partner NGOs according to which 56.500 people would have left Benghazi in recent weeks (including 2.500 Tawurgha who had taken refuge in the city after having fled following the first waves of violence in 2011). An even greater number of people have fled from Derna (about 170 km from Tobruk). Local crisis committees in the south-east of the country confirm that about 11,280 people have fled the ongoing fighting in Ubari, while in the western regions groups of civilians claim that 38,640 people, including many women and children, have been forced to leave their homes because of the struggles in Kikla.

Libyan refugees scattered in 35 countries. Libyan displaced people scattered in 35 countries and cities and urgently need housing, medical care, food, water and other basic necessities. The most violent clashes took place in Benghazi, where people fled to the neighboring cities of Ajdabiya, Al Bayda and Misurata. These cities are reaching the limit of their capacity to welcome displaced persons. Schools have been closed in Al Marj, so as to have more space for those who have no chance of being hosted by local families. Al Bayda and Tobruk are also working to accommodate the growing wave of displaced people (from Derna and Benghazi) in search of housing. Also, in Tobruk the schools have been closed so that they can accommodate the displaced.

On the run, without alternatives. In times of war, refugees, asylum seekers and migrants are often viewed with suspicion and face hostility towards foreigners. Without alternatives, many have embarked irregularly to Europe. In 2014, more than 156,000 people arrived in Italy by sea – over 85% left Libya. The UNHCR yesterday published its position paper on returns to Libya, which urges all countries to allow civilians fleeing Libya to access their territories and urges all states to suspend forced returns to the country until the conditions of security and respect for human rights will not be greatly improved.

In search of 8 unexploded car bombs. Meanwhile, security forces are searching for eight unexploded car bombs in Libya: the president of the Libyan Culture and Information Organization, Omar El Kerewi, said so. In the attacks that bloodied the country in recent days 15 car bombs had been used, but only 7 exploded, the high official said, summarizing confessions made by terrorists arrested on Wednesday. El Kerewi, according to a Libyan media, has also warned the European states that in his opinion he could be hit by terrorist actions and asked them, especially Italy and France, to support the Libyan parliament and to supply arms to the Libyan army.