Press release
03 June 2011
Ministry for Foreign Affairs
Sweden contributes additional humanitarian support to Libya
"Due to the continuing difficult humanitarian situation in Libya and its consequences for the neighbouring countries, Sida is now contributing additional humanitarian support to assist those affected," says Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson.
Sida has decided to contribute an additional SEK 25 million in humanitarian support to the UNs revised appeal for the Libyan crisis. Sida has also decided to contribute SEK 30 million to support the work carried out in Libya and its neighbouring countries by the International Committee of the Red Cross. Sida is thus contributing a total of just over SEK 129 million to Libya.
The decision to contribute SEK 25 million means additional support amounting to SEK 16 million to the UNHCR, SEK 8 million to UNICEF and SEK 1 million to Islamic Relief Sweden. This support is to go primarily to the protection of, and humanitarian support for, the civilian population in Libya. It is also to finance support to approximately 640 000 Libyans and third-country citizens who have fled to Tunisia, Egypt and Niger. Of these people, women who have been subjected to violence, and children, are one important target group. Swedens efforts are also expected to include psychosocial support to the increasing number of refugees, including internally displaced persons, be they men, women or children. The target group for the UNs flash appeal numbers a total of 1 660 000 people. Of these, 1 160 000 are in Libya, almost half of whom 460 000 people are internally displaced persons.
SEK 30 million in support to the Red Cross is funding the organisations revised appeal and will go primarily to people in need in Libya and the border areas. The aim is to help enforce respect for international humanitarian law, provide support for health care for war casualties and for reconnecting families, and minimise the risk to civilians from mines and explosive war debris. The target group for the Red Cross appeal numbers a total of 780 000 people affected by the conflict in Libya.
Sida and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs are continuously assessing the need for further measures.
The UN and humanitarian relief organisations state that possibilities of working in Libya are extremely limited due to the security situation and restricted access, especially to the western parts of the country. All parties in the conflict are urged to respect international humanitarian law and ensure that humanitarian relief workers can reach those affected.
