Martin Kobler on World Humanitarian Day:

19 Aug 2016

Martin Kobler on World Humanitarian Day:

Lack of Attention to the Humanitarian Crisis in Libya Exacerbates the Suffering of Libyans and Migrants

19 August 2016 - For Libya, this World Humanitarian Day serves as a strong reminder of the urgent need to address the worsening humanitarian situation across the country.

More than 2.4 million people in Libya are in need of humanitarian assistance. They lack medicines, vaccinations and suffer from poor hospitalization services. Almost 300,000 children are out of schools and almost 350,000 Libyans are displaced within the country. Not to forget the extremely worrying situation of more than 270,000 migrants who are stranded in Libya while trying to escape the dire situation in their countries, and the plight of thousands of detainees in inhuman conditions in detention centers.

Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Libya Martin Kobler hails the selfless sacrifice of the humanitarian aid workers in Libya: “They are the heroes of Libya, who work under extremely difficult circumstances, putting their lives at risk to help those affected; everyone should play their part in the collective effort to relieve the plight of those suffering,” he said

"All of us, Libyans and partners in the international community alike, need to focus more on the growing humanitarian needs in the country and redouble our efforts to ease the suffering of the people,” said Martin Kobler.

“The humanitarian needs created by the crisis in Libya are enormous and this should serve as an incentive for us to do our utmost to give hope to the people, particularly those in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.” he added.

Note to editors

Every day, humanitarian aid workers stand on the front lines of war and disaster, braving tremendous dangers and difficulties to deliver assistance to those who need it most. World Humanitarian Day (WHD), which takes place every year on 19 August, recognizes the aid workers who risk their lives in humanitarian service, and mobilizes people to advocate for humanitarian action. The day was designated by the General Assembly seven years ago to coincide with the anniversary of the 2003 bombing of the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq.