UNICEF airlifts 18 tonnes of emergency supplies to Libya

TRIPOLI, 22 April 2019 – A UNICEF-chartered plane has arrived at Misrata airport, in northwestern Libya, with 18 tonnes of urgently needed emergency supplies. These supplies will allow UNICEF to reach conflict-affected children and their families in and around Tripoli.

The recent hostilities in Tripoli and western Libya have affected the lives of an estimated 1.5 million people, including half a million children. Civilians have been caught in the crossfire which has resulted in deaths, casualties and displacement.

“In times of conflict, children and families often pay the heaviest price. From day one, UNICEF with its partners have distributed lifesaving stocks of water and sanitation and hygiene supplies, emergency medical kits, and education and recreational kits to respond to the needs of the conflict-affected and displaced families,” said Abdel Rahman Ghandour, UNICEF Special Representative in Libya. “This airlift of supplies is critical to continue our emergency response and replenish stocks,” he added.

The airlift included water, sanitation and hygiene commodities, water purification kits, collapsible water tanks, special kits for women’s hygiene and nutrition supplies. 

UNICEF is working with other UN agencies, seven national partners, two international organisations and local authorities to respond to the needs of the affected families. UNICEF builds on its well-established partnerships with municipal councils and the Tripoli Crisis Committee to coordinate its humanitarian response.

To be able to continue its response to the immediate needs of the affected population in Tripoli and Western Libya, UNICEF is urgently appealing for US$5.5 million with a funding gap of US$ 4.78 million.

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