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 ago

1.  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.

Acknowledgment

We 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 UNHCR

UNHCR 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.