United Nations in Libya

The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Libya:

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02 February 2026

Libya’s Youth Lead the Way at EcoVision 2026: A Nationwide Challenge Turns Climate Innovation into Action

Tripoli, 26 January 2026 – Across Libya, young people stepped forward this January with bold solutions to one of the world’s most urgent challenges: climate change. Through the EcoVision: Libya Youth Climate Challenge 2026, youth innovators transformed environmental risks into opportunities, demonstrating that Libya’s path to sustainability will be shaped not only by policy, but also by creativity and determination of its next generation. Led by the United Nations in Libya, EcoVision 2026 empowered young environmental entrepreneurs through hands-on training, mentorship, and seed funding to bridge ideas with action. More than 300 young women and men applied to the nationwide challenge. Following a competitive selection process, shortlisted participants convened for intensive workshops and competitions in Benghazi (13-14 January), Sebha (18-19 January), and Tripoli (25-26 January). Notably, over 30 per cent of applicants were young women, underscoring the undisputable place of Libyan women in climate innovation and entrepreneurship. While the growing leadership role of young women needs to be facilitated and nurtured, the trend is visible and without any turning back!Participants developed solutions rooted in Libya’s realities, ranging from climate-smart agriculture and circular economy ventures to digital tools for water conservation, demonstrating how local innovation can drive national resilience. “Libya’s greatest wealth is not only beneath its soil. It is seated in this room today,” said Ulrika Richardson, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and United Nations Resident Coordinator in Libya, in her opening remarks on the final day in Tripoli.A Journey Across Regions: From Vision to ActionEcoVision’s journey began in Benghazi, where young people from Libya’s eastern region took part in two days of interactive learning and pitching. Their ideas included AI-powered irrigation systems, robotics for environmental education, and green start-ups focused on biodiversity restoration. Four teams were awarded seed funding and will receive continued support to implement their projects. “This initiative gave us the chance to refine our ideas, gain valuable experience, and turn them into sustainable business solutions,” said one winning team. “EcoVision created real opportunities to make a positive impact on our environment and inspired us to drive change.” In Sebha, EcoVision became a catalyst for innovation in southern Libya. Participants developed climate-smart solutions tailored to the region’s unique environmental pressures, including smart leak-detection systems, local food processing initiatives to strengthen food security, and automated irrigation tools. Three teams received seed funding.“Although the programme lasted only two days, it was one of the most impactful workshops I have ever taken part in,” said a youth participant. “We strengthened many entrepreneurial skills that will help us scale up our projects. Opportunities like this are rare in the South.” The final stop in Tripoli brought together eight shortlisted teams who presented their ventures to a panel of experts and stakeholders, including representatives from national institutions, UN agencies, the private sector, and the diplomatic community. Winning projects included an AI-guided agricultural robot to reduce waste and increase yields; a food-surplus redistribution platform to cut waste and strengthen food security; and a tilapia hatchery aimed at restoring local aquaculture while creating jobs.“EcoVision gave us a special opportunity to network and connect directly with decision-makers, diplomats, and private sector leaders,” said one winning team. “These conversations helped us navigate how our ideas can move beyond concepts and into real partnerships.”Reflecting on the nationwide journey, DSRSG/RC Richardson noted, “This was more than travel across cities. It was an eye-opening journey through the incredible talent, creativity, and determination of Libya’s young people.”Matching Vision with Support: Building a System for SustainabilityA defining innovation of EcoVision 2026 is its referral system, designed to ensure sustained support beyond the event itself. Through a coordinated approach, participants will be connected to relevant UN agency programmes and future financing opportunities, helping promising ideas grow into scalable solutions. “For the United Nations in Libya, young people are not just beneficiaries of change. They are partners in shaping it,” emphasized DSRSG/RC Richardson. She asked young people to bring ideas. “The UN and its partners will match your ideas with an unwavering commitment to your growth, leadership, and success.”This approach directly supports the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework in Libya, advancing inclusive economic development, environmental resilience, and meaningful youth engagement.What’s Next: Planting Seeds for the FutureWhile EcoVision’s three-city tour has concluded, its impact is only starting to take shape. In the months ahead, seed grants will be disbursed and monitored, mentorship connections will remain active, and high-potential projects will be referred for scale-up through institutional partnerships. UN Libya and its partners are now exploring ways to institutionalize EcoVision as a national platform, ensuring that even more young women and men can lead climate action across the country. As Libya accelerates its path toward sustainability, these young innovators are not only imagining the future. They are building it. “Let EcoVision become part of Libya’s future,” DSRSG/RC Richardson concluded. “EcoVision is not ending here. This is only the beginning.”

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15 January 2026

EcoVision: Libya Youth Climate Challenge 2026 launches

BENGHAZI – Benghazi marked the first stop in a nationwide series of EcoVision events across Sebha and Tripoli, with the launch of the EcoVision: Libya Youth Climate Challenge 2026 through a two-day inaugural event bringing together youth innovators from across eastern Libya.Developed by the United Nations in Libya and implemented with the support of Innovative Garden, EcoVision is a national initiative designed to empower young people and support practical, market-ready solutions to pressing climate and environmental challenges. The initiative contributes to the United Nations’ cooperation priorities in Libya by investing in youth skills, innovation, and inclusive economic opportunities linked to climate resilience and sustainable development.The two-day Benghazi edition convened young innovators alongside representatives from United Nations agencies, national institutions, and the private sector.Youth teams shortlisted from more than 300 applications participated in intensive capacity-building sessions focused on climate-oriented business development, financial planning, impact measurement, and pitching skills, before presenting their proposals to a multi-sectoral jury.At the conclusion of the event, four initiatives were awarded seed funding, alongside continued mentorship, supporting their transition from concept development to business launch and scale-up.One participant noted, “This initiative gave us the chance to refine our ideas, gain valuable experience, and turn them into sustainable business solutions.” A winning team added, “EcoVision created real opportunities to make a positive impact on our environment and inspired us to drive change.”Teams not awarded seed funding will be connected with relevant United Nations entities to help explore potential funding opportunities and continued mentorship support.Following Benghazi, the EcoVision Youth Climate Challenge 2026 will continue in Sebha and Tripoli, reinforcing a nationwide effort to position young people as key drivers of climate resilience, innovation, and sustainable development in Libya.

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01 February 2026

15 Years of Struggle. Today, Water has Returned!

A Daily Struggle for WaterUm Alruzm, Libya, 20 December 2025. For more than 15 years, families in Um Alruzm, a flood-affected city near Derna in Eastern Libya, lived with constant worry - where their next drink of water would come from. The limited water available was saline and unsafe for drinking, forcing families to rely on unhealthy sources for their daily needs. The lack of clean, safe water was not only a challenge, but it was also part of daily life. UNICEFLIBYA/2025/Ibraheem 15 Years of Patience and Suffering“Imagine starting your day at five in the morning, filling water containers from a distant well, waiting your turn at a public water station, or paying big amounts to buy water from private tankers. We suffered for more than 15 years from a shortage of safe drinking water, with no reliable source. We had to travel long distances and could never be sure the water was clean or disinfected. It cost us time, effort, and money, and left us in constant worry about our children’s health. Life revolved around one daily question: where will we get water today?” Ali Omrajah Mohammed, Um Alruzm resident. UNICEFLIBYA/2025/Ibraheem The Turning Point: Hope Knocks on the DoorIn June 2025, a new chapter began in the life of Um Alruzm. With support from Kuwait and the Sheikh Abdullah Al-Nouri Charity, a water desalination plant was installed by UNICEF. Once it became operational, clean water began to flow, transforming the lives of residents. “When the plant started operating, we felt a big difference. We no longer had to travel long distances or worry about the quality of the water.” UNICEFLIBYA/2025/Ibraheem "We now have a reliable source available 24 hours a day. This gave us a sense of safety that we hadn’t experienced for years." Saeed Mohammed Khalifa, Head of Um Alruzm Services Center. UNICEFLIBYA/2025/Ibraheem"Now the water is here, and it is good. The children were the most affected," said Abdulmalik Ali Marajea, a 10-year-old boy.
"Now the water is disinfected and safe. Everything is much better." UNICEFLIBYA/2025/Ibraheem Every drop of water has restored a sense of normalcy to childhood and has brought peace of mind to the families. Today, with reliable access to water, the community looks to the future with renewed confidence. Water has returned… and with it, life.

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05 January 2026

For 75 Years, Protection Has Saved Lives. Today, It Saved Hinwa’s

At 36, Hinwa Ahmed never imagined she would one day be forced to flee her home, seeking protection. For years, she had a stable life, a career, and a family in Darfur. Then the war came.War shattered everything
When conflict escalated in Darfur, armed groups began targeting civilians, spreading fear and violence across her community. People were accused, hunted, and punished based on suspicion alone.In July 2023, Hinwa’s family home was attacked. Her father and brother were killed.“They were looking for me,” she recalls. “They accused people of being spies. Anyone they suspected was at risk.”Hinwa fled overnight with her youngest son in her arms. In the chaos, she was separated from her husband and three older children—aged 13, 8, and 6.A desperate journey in search of safety
After escaping to Chad and finding no news, Hinwa continued her journey to Libya, hoping to find safety and assistance. Like many who are exhausted, grieving, and desperate, she also attempted the sea crossing. She tried several times. Each attempt ended in detention, and abuse. “I was detained for months. I had no family left to help me. I lost almost everything.” Even after release, life in Libya remained unsafe. She faced exploitation, homelessness, and violence. “There came a time when I was completely losing hope.”A lifeline: protection and care
“There came a time when I was completely losing hope,” she recalls. Eventually, she received medical care and support that helped her begin to heal—physically and emotionally—after everything she had endured. “And I thank UNHCR as well, because a solution was found for myself and my son.” Her journey to this point has been long, painful, and marked by unimaginable loss. But it is also a testament to resilience and to the importance of durable solutions for those who have acute protection needs.A pathway to safety
Through the humanitarian corridors from Libya to Italy, Hinwa and her son have finally been offered a chance to rebuild their lives in safety. “I lost my home, my family, my work… everything,” she says. “But now at last my boy can have a good life.” These safe and legal pathways are lifesaving for survivors of conflict, violence, and persecution. For Hinwa, the humanitarian corridor is the beginning of a future where her son can grow without fear.75 years of protection
As UNHCR marks 75 years of protecting people forced to flee, stories like Hinwa’s remind us why this mandate matters and why durable solutions remain essential. Humanitarian corridors offer a real alternative to dangerous journeys. They save lives. They give families a chance to heal. And they uphold the core principles that have guided UNHCR for seven decades: protection, dignity, and hope. “I had a good life once,” she says. “In one moment, everything disappeared. But now… now there is hope again.”

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08 March 2026

A call, a suitcase, and the quiet courage of starting again

[In the Picture]. Fatima, 38, sits with her sons Muhab, 8, and Abdurahim, 17, during pre-departure preparations ahead of their relocation through UNHCR’s Emergency Transit Mechanism (ETM). @UNHCR Libya/ Ziyad AlhamdiFatima’s life has been marked by moments you don’t forget.She speaks of the day her home was hit and her youngest brother died in front of her and of how she was injured in the same attack. It’s a memory that stayed in her body as much as in her mind, shaping how she learned to live with fear, and later, how she learned to live with survival.Years later, war returned to rewrite life again.When violence escalated in Sudan, Fatima fled with her two children in July 2023. By then, her family had already begun to scatter across borders: her mother in Egypt, a brother in Chad, and her older brother in Sudan – the person she says who carried her through the hardest days and who supported her as much as he could from afar.Then he was killed last October 2025 in El Fasher.“My life has not been easy,” she says. “But then… the call came.”Fatima remembers exactly where she was standing when UNHCR contacted her.“I was outside,” she says, her voice tightened for a second. “When they told me I would travel, I couldn’t believe it. I cried… these were tears of joy.”At the centre where UNHCR is going through the departure formalities with 164 refugee women, men and children who are departing Libya for Rwanda through the Emergency Transit Mechanism, preparation looks like documents held carefully, like bags lined up beside chairs, like families speaking in low voices as they wait.“My children are my strength,” she says. “Everything I do is for them.”Around Fatima, UNHCR colleagues move between families, checking that people understand each step, answering last questions, and offering reassurance that is practical, patient, and human.
“This stage is about clarity and dignity,” says a protection colleague. “People have been through a lot. Before anything else, they deserve to feel informed, supported, and respected.” The Deputy Ambassador of the Netherlands, Heleen Baartmans, speaks with families, taking time to listen: one woman who is pregnant; a mother travelling with her three daughters; and another family holding their young child, Othman, close.
“When you meet with families and hear their stories up close, you understand this isn’t about numbers,” Heleen says. “It’s about people trying to move forward safely and about the shared responsibility to make safer paths possible.”UNHCR’s Chief of Mission, Karmen Sakhr watches the preparations closely, the quiet conversations, the questions, the careful steps that try to restore a sense of control to people who have lived too long without it.“When you look around, you see dozens of suitcases,” Karmen reflects. “But each one carries a life inside; memories, loss, and hope for what comes next. Our role is to make sure that journey begins with dignity and protection.”Fatima says she has lived too many chapters shaped by sudden change, the day she lost her father in an attack; the day she fled her country; the day she lost the brother who supported her; the long months of trying to hold her children’s lives together while her family was spread between countries.And yet, her wish is simple.“I want a peaceful life for my children,” she says. “That is all.”From far away, journeys are often reduced to routes and statistics. At this centre, they look like Fatima, a woman who has survived what she never should have witnessed, who has buried loved ones, who has carried her children through displacement, and who still finds space to believe in a safer tomorrow.Sometimes, a new chapter begins with something as small and life changing as a phone call.The Emergency Transit Mechanism is a life-saving initiative for very vulnerable refugees and asylum seekers in Libya to be evacuated to Rwanda, where they receive protection and assistance while durable solutions such as resettlement, voluntary return are pursued.Since its establishment in 2019, the ETM in Rwanda has helped more than 2,700 individuals find safety.To learn more about the ETM Rwanda, visit: UNHCR ETM Rwanda Info

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03 February 2026

A family leaves again. This time, it’s different.

In the picture [Hussam and his family at the Jugurthin Medical Centre after completing their medical screening ahead of their voluntary return flight to Syria. @UNHCR/Aml Albarghouti ] For a long time, returning home was not something Maha and her family allowed themselves to think about too much. Life had to be managed day by day, and there was always something more urgent to worry about.Maha is 43 years old and the mother of six. She and her family left Syria more than a decade ago, when the war made it impossible to keep their children safe.“We were afraid all the time, especially our children,” she recalls.Leaving Syria did not lead them straight to stability. Instead, it began a long period of moving and starting over. The family lived first in Egypt, and later in Libya, always looking for work, a place to live, and a way to keep their children in school.Hussam, the father, says those years were about keeping the family together, no matter how uncertain things felt.“Stability is the most important thing,” he says. “We moved from one place to another, always trying to give our children a decent life.”.When the family arrived in Libya in 2023, they slowly began to find their footing again. It was not easy; debts followed them, and past losses were never far from their minds, but they found support among the people around them.“We didn’t feel like strangers,” Hussam says. “People stood by us. Libya became part of our story, and saying goodbye is not easy. But this time it’s different – we're going home.”For the children, the idea of returning means different things. Some left Syria when they were very young. Others were born outside the country and know it only through stories.Tasneem, 24, was still a child when she left Syria, but she says the connection never disappeared.“I feel a strong sense of belonging,” she says. “I want to continue my education. My dream is to become a doctor and study at Damascus University.”Now, as the family prepares to return, some of the younger children will be seeing Syria for the first time. What they know of it comes from memories and stories passed down by their parents, of neighbourhoods, relatives, and a life that was interrupted but not forgotten.For Maha, the hope is simple and clear.“My only wish is for my children to be well,” she says. “To finish their education, and for God to make up for the difficult years.”UNHCR supports these voluntary returns, in coordination with national authorities, to ensure that families who choose to go back can do so in safety, dignity, and based on informed decisions.

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29 December 2025

Libyan youth engage on UN Youth, Peace and Security agenda in Amman

Libyan youth are helping shape the next decade of the Youth Peace and Security agenda in the Middle East and North Africa, bringing national priorities into a regional effort to move youth participation from policy commitments to tangible action on the ground in Libya.Three Libyan youth-led civil society organisations, alongside the Office of the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General/Resident Coordinator of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Libya, participated in the regional Youth Peace and Security workshop in Amman, Jordan, in December, which convened more than 70 young peacebuilders from across the region.The event marked ten years since the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2250 (2015), which established the Youth Peace and Security agenda in response to evidence that young people were disproportionately affected by conflict but largely excluded from decision-making.The workshop focused on reviewing progress, identifying persistent gaps, and setting priorities for the decade ahead, with a strong emphasis on translating regional learning into national strategies. Central to the discussions was the fundamental need to ensure that youth voices are not only present, but genuinely included, listened to and acted upon through structured and sustained dialogue with institutions and decision-makers.“This was an important opportunity to assess the YPS agenda from its inception to today,” said Alia Gargoum, a Libyan civil activist. “While there have been clear positive steps over the past ten years, there is still a significant gap between policy and implementation.”Participants highlighted regional challenges, including limited institutionalised youth engagement, uneven implementation of Youth, Peace and Security commitments, and the need for stronger coordination among governments, civil society and international partners. For young Libyan men and women, discussions also underscored how political and institutional fragmentation continues to constrain opportunities for meaningful engagement, making it difficult to translate youth initiatives into nationally anchored processes.Another theme was the urgent need for safe and inclusive spaces for youth participation at all levels, particularly at the local level, where young people are most directly affected by conflict, service gaps and governance challenges. Many participants noted that fear of intimidation or harassment, both in person and online, continues to discourage youth engagement. This challenge is particularly acute for young women, though it affects young people across the board.“One of the key takeaways for me is that peace and security must be approached regionally, not just locally,” said Alhassan Bakkar, Director of Programme Management at the Permanent Peace Foundation in Libya. “Listening to youth from different countries showed how interconnected our challenges are, and how much we can learn from each other’s solutions.”Participants reflected on the centrality of young people’s mental health and psychosocial wellbeing as a foundation for peace, resilience, and civic engagement. They emphasized that without addressing the cumulative impacts of conflict, displacement, climate shocks, and economic uncertainty, youth participation risks remaining symbolic rather than transformative.Discussions also reinforced the urgency of advancing government-led processes to implement the Youth, Peace and Security agenda and broader youth strategies that respond directly to the priorities and aspirations of Libyan young people.The workshop concluded with participants identifying concrete next steps, including strengthening national Youth, Peace and Security coordination mechanisms, expanding youth-led peace initiatives, and building cross-border partnerships.“As the Youth, Peace and Security agenda enters its second decade, Libyan youth are making it clear that they are not only beneficiaries of peace processes, but leaders shaping their country’s future. Sustained recognition, investment, and partnership will be essential to turn commitments into impact on the ground,” said Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Resident Coordinator Ulrika Richardson. “Regional platforms such as the Amman workshop ensure that young Libyans return home equipped with ideas, networks and momentum, strengthening local initiatives and contributing to long-term peace.”

Young men and women from across the Middle East and North Africa pose for a photo at a workshop on the Youth, Peace and Security agenda in December 2025. UN Youth Office

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24 December 2025

When the Possibility of Return Becomes Real

At the airport's departure hall, emotions were mixed with quiet anticipation. For two Syrian families who have spent years in Libya, this day marked the end of a long chapter of displacement — and the beginning of a return they once thought might never come.“We Left Under the Bombs”For Seham, 35, the memories of leaving Syria in 2012 are still vivid.
“We fled under shelling, destruction, kidnapping, and fear,” she recalled. “We escaped just to survive.”Seham arrived in Libya with her husband, Mohamed Ziyad, and their young family. Over the years, the family grew to seven — five children, three of whom were born in Libya. Life was never easy. Without residency permits, enrolling the children in school became increasingly difficult.Where Memory and Family MeetFor Mohamed Ziyad, the thought of Damascus brings back vivid memories.
“The first place any Damascene thinks of is the Umayyad Mosque,” he said. “Then the old markets, the narrow streets of the Old City — these places are part of who we are.”Over the years, he showed his children photos of Damascus on his phone, describing its streets and stories so they would know the city long before ever seeing it.Seham’s return is also a long-awaited reunion. One of her sisters remains in Syria — a separation stretched over years by war, borders, and uncertainty.
“I haven’t seen her in so long,” Seham said. “Just the thought of being able to sit together again feels unreal.” A Journey That Began at 17 Standing nearby was Nour Eddine, 29, Ziyad’s cousin, who arrived in Libya when he was just 17.
“I didn’t leave by choice,” he said. “My family forced me to leave because it was too dangerous to stay”Nour came alone at first, later marrying and raising three children in Libya.Displacement took a heavy personal toll. Nour lost both his parents while away from Syria, never having the chance to say goodbye. They suffered complications after being exposed to chemical attacks in Eastern Ghouta in Syria.“My dream was just to see my mother,” he said. “She came to Libya only to arrange my marriage — and passed away three months later.Returning to Syria was impossible financially.
“For a family of five, the cost was a dream beyond reach,” he said. “This opportunity changed everything.”When asked what he looks forward to most, Nour didn’t hesitate:
“I want to visit my father’s grave. Then I want to walk through Damascus — the Old City and the streets of my childhood.”Hope, Carried Forward As their children waited nearby — some excited, some shy, some born far from the land their parents still call home — both families spoke of hope more than fear.“Fifteen years are a lifetime,” Mohamed Ziyad said. “But returning is something we have been waiting for every single day.”In 2025, UNHCR has organized four voluntary return flights to Syria, enabling more than 400 people to return home with dignity and support. UNHCR will organize similar flights in 2026, fulfilling the dream of many Syrians of going back to a place that never left them, a place called HOME.

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16 December 2025

75 years of providing Protection

Every day in Libya, families who fled war and persecution face uncertainty, yet also show extraordinary courage, resilience, and hope.
As we approach the end of the year, and as UNHCR marks 75 years of protecting people forced to flee, we reflect on moments of dignity, protection, and human connection made possible through the support of donors and partners who stand with people seeking safety.Across Libya, UNHCR meets mothers, fathers, and children carrying stories of loss and survival, but also of reunification, recovery, and new beginnings.Here are seven real moments from this year that remind us why solidarity matters, and why protection remains as essential today at it was 75 years ago1. A Family Reunited at the Registration Centre
June 2025 – Tripoli, Libya. Zubaida and Ahmed pose with their two children at a UNHCR registration centre.When Zubaida fled Zamzam camp under shelling, she lost her brothers, was shot three times, and became separated from her husband, Ahmed.
She arrived in Tripoli with her two children, carrying more fear than belongings. UNHCR began family tracing, and through the process, staff discovered that Ahmed had recently registered separately in Libya. They were able to bring the family together again“I am so happy beyond words that we are reunited,” Zubaida exclaimed. “I didn’t think I would ever see him again.”“This is the best surprise of my life,” Ahmed added emotionally.A moment of protection — and pure relief.2. 13 Years on the Move, Finally Safe June 2025 – Gashora camp, Rawanda. Rahma stands with her children at the Emergency Transit Mechanism (ETM) facility.For 13 years, Rahma fled conflict across Sudan, Egypt, and Libya — losing her brother and husband along the way.
Her family endured detention, exploitation, and constant fear until they were evacuated to Rwanda under the Emergency Transit Mechanism.In Rwanda, for the first time, she could breathe.“Today I feel safe — a feeling I haven’t had in 13 years. My children can learn and play again.”Safety is more than a place; it is the ability to dream again.3. Eight Days Across the Desert to Save Her Children May 2025. Alkufra Libya. Samia and her children receiving wheelchairs and core relief items from UNHCR staff. Samia fled Kutum with six children — three living with disabilities — after armed groups raided their home and shelling intensified. She carried them on foot through the desert for eight days.Since arriving in Alkufra, UNHCR provided blankets and hygiene items — as well as a wheelchair for each of her children, bringing comfort, and mobility to her family.“Nothing replaces the safety of home,” she said, “but these items helped us survive.”A reminder that even small items, and the gift of mobility can ease the burden of displacement.4. Helping Children Heal from Trauma October 2025. Tripoli Libya. Hamza participates in drawings as part of healing therapy at the UNHCR Child Friendly Space.Nine-year-old Hamza arrived in Libya deeply affected by the violence he witnessed in Darfur.
Loud sounds terrified him. He would grab his chest and cry, convinced his heart would stop.Through UNHCR’s psychosocial support, Hamza now takes part in activities designed to help children process fear, rebuild confidence, and feel safe again.
His mother says the change is visible — the nightmares are fewer, and he smiles more often.Hamza is still healing, but with the right support, he is finding his way back to childhood.5. Humanitarian Evacuation to Italy — A New Beginning for Khadra February 2025. Tripoli Libya. Khadra and her children, boarding a bus to Mitiga airport to be evacuated to Italy through the Humanitarian Corridor. Khadra survived forced marriage, trafficking, torture, and years of violence.
This year, she boarded a humanitarian evacuation flight to Italy with her three children.“Today, I have hope again,” she said. “I want my children to grow up with dignity.”Every safe pathway is a life transformed.6. Essential Care for Children Forced to Flee September 2025. Benghazi, Libya. Ritaj is receiving routine vaccination against Polio in a public health clinic.In Benghazi, Mahasen, a Sudanese mother of seven who arrived in February 2025 after a dangerous journey fleeing the war, brings her youngest daughter Ritaj (7) to the Ras Obeida polyclinic.The centre — rehabilitated by UNHCR — provides essential services to displaced families, including vaccinations for preventable diseases.Ritaj was vaccinated against polio, a moment of reassurance for a mother who has crossed borders to protect her children.This clinic is a lifeline for my children and I," Mahasen said. “I am very happy that Ritaj was vaccinated — this means safety for my little one.”In a life full of uncertainty, access to healthcare gives families like hers the chance to stay healthy and hopeful.As this year ends, and as UNHCR marks 75 years of standing alongside people forced to flee, we honour the resilience of families seeking safety, and all those who walk beside them.What people wish for most is simple:
peace, safety, and the chance to return home when it becomes possible.Until that day, your support keeps hope alive. AcknowledgmentWe extend our thanks to all our donors, international and national partners, and our UN sister agencies within the regional response plan and the Resident Coordinator’s Office. Your support makes our work possible.About UNHCRUNHCR has been operating in Libya since 1991 and has offices in Tripoli and Benghazi, and outposts in Alkufra, Ajdabiya and Sabha, as well as a back-office in Tunis. In Libya UNHCR maintains access to refugees and upholds their fundamental rights. It provides life-saving assistance to refugees and asylum seekers in detention centres, disembarkation points and in urban settings, and finds durable solutions outside Libya for the most vulnerable and at-risk refugees and asylum seekers. UNHCR collaborates very closely with the Government and authorities. Because refugees are spread throughout the country, UNHCR provides support to host communities to be able to cope with the additional needs in their towns and villages.

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Press Release

12 January 2026

UNODC Releases the First Report on Drug Trafficking Dynamics in Libya and across North Africa

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has released the first research report on “Drug trafficking dynamics in Libya and across North Africa: Trends and implications,” which provides an overview of recent developments and emerging trends in drug trafficking affecting Libya and the wider region.The report was launched in Tripoli at an event hosted by the Libyan Office of the Attorney-General, with the presence of national institutions and members of the diplomatic community in Libya. It provides a detailed analysis on drug trafficking dynamics in Libya between 2020 and 2024, placing national trends within the broader regional context. The report highlights evolving trafficking patterns and provides a baseline for tracking trends over time.Key findings point to linkages between drug trafficking and Libya’s security context; the country’s expanding role as a transit hub for drugs destined for regional markets; and a rise in domestic drug use — particularly synthetic substances, with health, social and stability implications. The report informs about drug flows, including cocaine transiting Libya towards the Middle East and Europe, and synthetic drugs reaching North Africa and other subregions of the continent. In 2024 alone, recorded cocaine seizures in Libya are estimated to have had a combined street value of between USD 3.7 million and USD 7.8 million (These figures reflect only recorded seizures, so the total value could be higher).The report’s policy recommendations are intended to support ongoing national and international efforts, including the implementation of Libya’s newly endorsed National Drug Control Strategy. The recommendations encourage continued cooperation and a coordinated approach to addressing transnational challenges, in line with the principle of shared responsibility.The increasing threat of drug trafficking and drug use across the Arab region, as documented by the World Drug Report, has led to renewed attention and increased momentum for regional cooperation on counter narcotics, including through enhanced intelligence-sharing and coordinated responses.Dr. Emhemed Zidan, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, stated: “Strengthening regional and international cooperation, within the framework of partnership and shared responsibility, remains the cornerstone for addressing the dynamics of drug trafficking, particularly in regions facing overlapping security and development challenges, such as Libya and North Africa. Our responsibility today is a collective one and calls upon us to act in a spirit of partnership and integration, in full awareness that Libya’s security and the stability of North Africa constitute an integral part of regional and international security, and that the development of effective and sustainable strategies to counter drug trafficking requires clear political will and a comprehensive vision that balances security imperatives with development needs and human protection.”Counselor Abdulbasit Shahran, Deputy Public Prosecutor in charge of the Anti-Narcotics Affairs in Libya, stated: “The Attorney General's Criminal Research and Training Center calls upon UNODC and international partners to consider designating it as a regional hub that brings together research expertise and specialists in justice, law enforcement, and security. This would support the development of coordinated, balanced, and evidence-based responses, and enhance the Center’s role in advancing community service, in pursuit of security and development.”Ms. Ingeborg Ulrika Ulfsdotter Richardson, UN Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General / Resident Coordinator (DSRSG/RC) added: “Drug trafficking is not only a criminal justice issue but also a direct threat to peace and security, the rule of law, and state authority. The illicit revenues generated by this trade fuel organized criminal networks, undermine institutions, and prolong instability. This report provides the evidence needed to inform national action and international engagement, including at the level of the Security Council.”Ms. Cristina Albertin, UNODC Regional Representative for the Middle East and North Africa stated that “This report underscores the importance of responding to the drug challenge through a balanced and comprehensive approach that addresses both supply and demand, grounded in evidence and strong partnerships. UNODC is committed to supporting Libya and the region in strengthening data collection and analysis, enhancing law enforcement and criminal justice responses, and expanding prevention, treatment, and recovery services. Only through coordinated national and regional action can we effectively reduce the harm caused by drug trafficking and organized crime while promoting stability, health, and the rule of law.”The research report is available here:Drug Trafficking Dynamics in Libya and across North Africa Report* *** *For further information please contact:UNODC Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa (ROMENA)Email: unodc-egyptfieldoffice@un.org

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Press Release

10 December 2025

Libya Marks International Anti-Corruption Day with the Launch of Phase II of the EU-Funded Project to Counter Corruption and Money Laundering, Implemented by UNODC

Libya commemorated International Anti-Corruption Day by launching Phase II of the European Union–funded project, “Building Libya’s National Capacity to Prevent and Combat Corruption and Money Laundering.” Implemented by UNODC Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa (ROMENA) through its Programme Office in Libya, in partnership with the Supreme Committee Supervising the National Strategy for Performance, Oversight, Anti-Corruption, and Prevention (2025–2030) in the Administrative Control Authority (ACA). The project aims to strengthen further Libya’s institutional ability to prevent, detect, investigate, and respond to corruption and financial crimes.The signing was conducted by the Chair of the Supreme Committee Supervising the National Strategy for Performance, Oversight, Anti-Corruption, and Prevention (2025–2030), Mr. Ibrahim Abdulkarim Ali, and the Head of UNODC Programme Office in Libya, Dr. Tariq Sonnan. In this respect, the launch took place during the celebration of the State of Libya for the International Anti-Corruption Day, which was attended by more than 500 representatives from national authorities, as well as regional and international government officials. The celebration also marks the convening of a two-day Expert Group Meeting in Tripoli, gathering representatives from anti-corruption bodies from Libya, Algeria, Jordan, and Morocco, in addition to international experts from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Participants will be able to discuss the effective implementation of national anti-corruption strategies, with a particular focus on Libya’s National Strategy for Performance, Oversight, Anti-Corruption, and Prevention (2025–2030). The meeting will highlight the best regional and international practices for implementing national anti-corruption strategies, including effective inter-agency coordination and guidance on developing, monitoring, evaluating, and reporting on national strategies.In this respect, Mr. Abdulhamid Al-Dabaiba, Prime Minister, Government of National Unity, stated: “The inter-agency cooperation among executive bodies and supervisory authorities in Libya was commemorated with the development and launching of the national anti-corruption strategy of Libya. These efforts embody the strong political will and belief in the crucial role of supervisory authorities to combat corruption, and strengthen transparency and integrity.”Dr. Mohamed Takala, President of the High Council of State, highlighted that “developing a modern public administration should be supported by digital transformation, and transparent government-citizens transactions to prevent corruption. In this sense, the High Council of State is committed to supporting the process of institutional reform, and to providing a legislative environment that supports the independence of supervisory authorities to guarantee the effectiveness of their mandate to combat corruption, which contributes towards building a strong nation”.Mr. Abdulla Gadirboh, Chairman of the Administrative Control Authority, highlighted that “Libya was among the first States to sign and ratify the United Nations Convention against Corruption. We have worked tirelessly to implement its provisions on institutional and legislative levels by developing anti-corruption and transparency laws as well as establishing the Administrative Control Authority with the mandate to combat all forms of corruption and to mainstream integrity principles, including the preservation and maintenance of public funds and ensuring the transparent access to information.”Mr. Nicola Orlando, Ambassador of the European Union Delegation to Libya, stated: “The European Union stands firmly with leading institutions and civil society in combating corruption, which is a generational challenge. Moreover, to strengthen transparency, accountability, and the rule of law across the country. National anti-corruption strategies are vital in these matters as they bring together all efforts in a comprehensive and organized way to ensure that related initiatives converge towards national interests. The EU is honored to witness the launching of this EU-supported flagship project to strengthen national capacities to combat corruption and money laundering in Libya.”Ms. Ulrika Ingeborg, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General / Resident Coordinator (DSRSG/RC) stated “The United Nations remains fully committed to supporting Libya in building strong economic governance systems, enhancing oversight mechanisms and reinforcing the national capacity to prevent and combat corruption. These reforms are essential for restoring public trust and advancing stability and prosperity that all Libyans deserve.”Ms. Cristina Albertin, UNODC Regional Representative for the Middle East and North Africa, reiterated, “Corruption is a global challenge, yet the most effective solutions are built at the national level through strong leadership and meaningful collaboration. Our long-standing partnership with Libya has benefited over 600 officials and representatives, including prosecutors, investigators, law enforcement officials, financial analysts, academics, and youth, strengthening their skills in countering corruption, financial crimes, and promoting integrity.”Phase II builds on these achievements and aims to strengthen further the capacity of national institutions to detect, investigate, and adjudicate corruption and money laundering cases. It will also advance preventive measures against financial crimes while expanding efforts to engage Libyan youth in identifying and reporting corrupt practices and promoting ethical conduct in both business and community settings.Over the coming three years, the project will work to enhance transparency and integrity in public administration, strengthen operational and legal capacities to counter corruption and money laundering, and deepen national, regional, and international cooperation to address cross-border financial crimes.

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Press Release

10 August 2025

Secretary-General appoints Ms. Ingeborg Ulrika Ulfsdotter Richardson of Sweden as Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General in the United Nations Support Mission in Libya and Resident Coordinator in Libya

She has over 30 years of experience in development and humanitarian assistance and post-conflict recovery, with a focus on complex political, socio-economic, and human rights contexts. She has spent most of her career with the United Nations, serving in various regions, including West and Central Africa, the Caribbean, the Western Balkans and South-East Europe. Ms. Richardson has been the Deputy Special Representative for the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Haiti since 2022, and was previously the Resident Coordinator in Kosovo, working closely with United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) (2018-2022). Her earlier assignments include serving as the United Nations Resident Coordinator and Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Children’s Fund and United Nations Population Fund in Cabo Verde (2013-2018), UNDP Resident Representative in Gabon (2012-2013), and Deputy Resident Representative in Türkiye (2007-2012) and in Cuba (2004-2007).Ms. Richardson holds a master’s degree in development economics from Gothenburg University and a Bachelor of Social Science from Lund University, both in Sweden. In addition to her native Swedish, she is fluent in English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish.New York, 8 August 2025

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Press Release

20 June 2025

World Refugee Day 2025

Tripoli, 20 June 2025 – On World Refugee Day, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, joins the international community in honouring the courage and strength of people forced to flee persecution, conflict, and violence. This year’s theme, “Solidarity with Refugees”, is a call to action – to stand together, listen to refugees’ stories, and support their right to seek safety.In Libya, thousands of people who fled war and insecurity, including recent arrivals from Sudan, continue to face enormous challenges. Many families have lost everything and are still unable to return home. Most refugees are living in difficult conditions, often in underserved areas where local Libyan communities are also struggling with overstretched services.UNHCR is working closely with Libyan authorities and partners across the country to support both refugees and the Libyan people hosting them. This includes distributing core relief items, improving access to water and sanitation, rehabilitating health and education facilities, and providing support through community-based centres. According to the newly released UNHCR Global Trends Report, over 120 million people worldwide are now forcibly displaced – the highest number ever recorded. Ongoing crises, conflicts, and the absence of political solutions continue to push people into forced displacement. In this context, the need for global solidarity and responsibility-sharing has never been greater.“Solidarity with refugees means standing with people in their hardest moments – not with words, but with actions,” said Karmen Sakhr, UNHCR’s Chief of Mission in Libya. “It means supporting both those forced to flee and the communities who host them. In Libya, we see remarkable examples of solidarity every day – the way the authorities coordinate humanitarian support, and Libyan families who share what they have.”UNHCR reiterates its commitment to supporting the authorities and people of Libya in responding to humanitarian needs, whilst at the same time advocating for political solutions to enable people to return home.Refugees are not alone. On World Refugee Day – and every day – we stand with them.For media inquiries, please contact:Aml Albarghouti Assistant Communications Officer, UNHCR Libyaalbarghouti@unhcr.org

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