Launch of Libya Humanitarian Response Plan 2015/2016 “The Humanitarian Crisis That Should Not Be"

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10 Dec 2015

Launch of Libya Humanitarian Response Plan 2015/2016 “The Humanitarian Crisis That Should Not Be"

09 December 2015 - The Humanitarian Response Plan for Libya 2015-16, which addresses the needs of 2.4 million people who require humanitarian assistance, was launched by the Humanitarian Country Team in Tunis on 09 December, 2015. The Plan requires $165.6 million in funding.


Opening the meeting, Ali Al-Za’tari, the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Libya emphasized how instability and insecurity are hampering the humanitarian response. He pointed out the crucial connection between reaching a political agreement and an improvement in conditions that will allow organizations to better respond. Dr. Masoud Ali Graifa, the Representative from the Libyan Embassy in Tunis said he hoped for an addition to the plan’s three strategic objectives, that of protecting the resources of the Libyan people.

WHO Representative, Dr. Jaffar Syed Hussain, speaking on behalf of the Humanitarian Country Team outlined the specifics of the Plan: 2.44 million people in need of protection and some form of humanitarian assistance - including 435,000 Internally Displaced Persons - and acute basic needs in the health, food, protection, shelter and water and sanitation sectors. Dr. Hussain warned against the threat of disease outbreaks, malnutrition, and compromised access to food.

There was strong support expressed for the plan, with many stressing the importance of the speed of its implementation across Libya. A number of Libyan Non-Governmental Organizations called for financial backing from the international community, but also from the Libyan government.

Mr. Mohamed Salem Ben Saleh of the Libyan organization Tamzeen Society said Libyan Civil Society Organizations were the “silent majority and that we represent the victims, and we call upon the Libyan government to support and contribute to the Libya Humanitarian Response Plan.”

“The Plan identifies the most urgent humanitarian needs in Libya and that's why we welcome it” stated Hervé Caiveau, the European Commission’s Head of Office for the Maghreb region. “We must recognize the huge efforts made by UN agencies and international and local NGOs to work in such difficult circumstances in Libya and…the efforts of the Libyans. I encourage our member states and other donors to provide funding to the HRP to ensure an adequate humanitarian response in Libya in 2016.”