Hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced across Libya, due to conflict, economic instability and climate change. Along with returnees and other vulnerable communities, they face huge difficulties in accessing rights, basic services and opportunities – leaving them urgently in need of humanitarian assistance.
NRC in Libya
In addition, vast numbers of refugees and migrants arrive in Libya every year, with many hoping to travel on into Europe. But many are stranded in the country with uncertain legal status and limited support, unable to either make the journey or go home.
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is hard at work in Libya – supporting all those who need us with shelter, cash grants and other vital assistance, including help to obtain vital legal documentation.
What’s happening in Libya?
Since 2011, Libya has been mired in a protracted conflict, resulting in increased violence, political fragmentation and economic instability. These factors have triggered widespread population movement. And so too have disasters like the devastating floods of September 2023 – which caused large-scale destruction and displacement, particularly in the north-eastern cities of Derna, Al-Shahat and Al Bayda.
But as well as supporting a large displaced population, Libya is a transit and destination point for many refugees, migrants and asylum seekers. Those who stay in the country find it difficult to get residency, work permits or secure legal status, while those who hope to travel on to Europe must brave the world’s most dangerous migration route – where thousands of people die or go missing every year.
Region: North Africa
Population: 7 million
Total displaced: 143,012
Total refugees hosted: 56,674
In addition, vast numbers of refugees and migrants arrive in Libya every year, with many hoping to travel on into Europe. But many are stranded in the country with uncertain legal status and limited support, unable to either make the journey or go home.
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is hard at work in Libya – supporting all those who need us with shelter, cash grants and other vital assistance, including help to obtain vital legal documentation.
What’s happening in Libya?
Since 2011, Libya has been mired in a protracted conflict, resulting in increased violence, political fragmentation and economic instability. These factors have triggered widespread population movement. And so too have disasters like the devastating floods of September 2023 – which caused large-scale destruction and displacement, particularly in the north-eastern cities of Derna, Al-Shahat and Al Bayda.
But as well as supporting a large displaced population, Libya is a transit and destination point for many refugees, migrants and asylum seekers. Those who stay in the country find it difficult to get residency, work permits or secure legal status, while those who hope to travel on to Europe must brave the world’s most dangerous migration route – where thousands of people die or go missing every year.
Our response
We’re working with our partners in the following areas:
- Shelter and settlements – repairing and improving shelters for families, as well as rebuilding schools, health clinics and other community facilities.
- Water, sanitation and hygiene – helping to improve sanitation facilities and access to safe, clean drinking water.
- Livelihoods and food security – providing cash assistance to help people cover their basic needs and develop sustainable livelihoods.
- Education – running literacy and numeracy lessons, remedial classes, vocational training and psychosocial support.
- Information, counselling and legal assistance – helping people obtain legal civil documentation, claim their rights and access essential services.
Our operations
NRC office established: 2017
Areas of operation: Tunis (Tunisia), Tripoli, Benghazi, Misrata, Ajdabiya, Tawergha
Country Director: Thomas Whitworth
Contact: ly.cfm@nrc.no
Our impact
In 2023, we assisted 44,898 people through our programmes in Libya:
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2,226Education
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3,104Livelihoods and food security
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15,643Shelter and settlements
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2,993Information, counselling and legal assistance
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13,102Water, sanitation and hygiene
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8,014Other activities
Note: some people received more than one type of assistance.