CERF allocates $5 million in response to humanitarian needs in Tunisia

8 March 2011: In response to humanitarian needs in areas along the Tunisian border hosting displaced populations from Libya, CERF has allocated $5 million for humanitarian response in Tunisia.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) will receive some $1.8 million for emergency evacuation assistance to third country nationals stranded at the Libya-Tunisia border. Some $1.3 million has been allocated to the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) for emergency transportation, shelter material and protection service delivery at border areas. The World Food Programme (WFP) will use some $850,000 to provide food assistance to vulnerable populations affected by the crisis in Libya. The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) will receive $600,000 for provision of water, sanitation and hygiene support to displaced populations. Finally, $400,000 will has been allocated to the World Health Organization (WHO) for emergency health response at the Libya-Tunisian border.

Since the violence erupted in Libya in mid-February 2011, over 170,000 people have fled to neighbouring countries – mostly Egypt and Tunisia – while thousands more are waiting to cross these borders. Those waiting are mostly Egyptian and Tunisian, although increasing numbers of Libyans and other nationalities are managing to escape.

This large population displacement is causing a significant humanitarian burden for both Egypt and Tunisia, two countries that are themselves coping with the aftermath of recent political upheaval. The situation is critical in Tunisia, where at the highest point of influx an estimated 1,500 people cross the border every hour.

Priorities for the humanitarian community in border areas include protection of civilians and delivery of assistance, such as WASH services, food and medical supplies, as well as the evacuation of third country nationals stranded at the Libya-Tunisia border.

[Last Updated: 5 April 2011]

CERF Funding by Country (2011) - Project Detail Tunisia: http://ochaonline.un.org/CERFaroundtheWorld/Tunisia2011/tabid/7411/language/en-US/Default.aspx