The UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Libya, Maria Ribeiro, expresses concerns over reports of severe shortages of basic necessities, including life saving medical supplies due to the conflict in Derna. This is has a negative impact on people’s health and wellbeing and, if prolonged, would lead to serious humanitarian conditions.

 “I urge all parties to consider the safety and the wellbeing of the civilians a top priority and allow for the safe delivery of humanitarian supplies to ensure continued access to basic services, especially health”, said Maria Ribeiro.

The United Nations, through the Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is monitoring the situation on the ground and working with all Humanitarian partners to respond to the evolving situation in Derna.

The Humanitarian Coordinator urges all parties to the conflict to respect Humanitarian and Human Rights law to ensure the protection of civilians.

Katleen Maes, Head of OCHA Libya +216 29 688 403  maes@un.org, and Carlos Geha +216 29 688 020 gehac@un.org