UN issues regional flash appeal for Libya

(Geneva/ New York, 7 March 2011): In response to the current crisis in Libya, which has led to the arrival of an estimated 203,756 people in neighbouring Tunisia, Egypt and Niger, the United Nations, the International Organization for Migration and partner agencies have launched the Regional Flash Appeal for the Libyan Crisis. The US$ 160 million plan spells out the funding required to meet the current and projected needs of people who have fled and for other affected people in Libya for the next three months.

"This Appeal is based on planning scenario projecting up to 400,000 people leaving Libya -- including the 200,000 who have left to date -- and another 600,000 people inside Libya expected to need humanitarian aid to varying degrees. I hope that this Appeal receives a favourable response from donors, which will enable us to continue to support those in need," said Valerie Amos, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator.

It will ensure that migrants who leave Libya for Tunisia, Egypt and Niger receive adequate humanitarian relief, and that they are transported to their countries of origin promptly. Within opposition-controlled parts of Libya, the Appeal outlines the funding required to assess, analyze and respond to current and possible future humanitarian needs.

The appeal covers camp coordination and camp management, food security, nutrition, health care, water, sanitation and hygiene, protection, shelter and logistics.

The United Nations has named a Humanitarian Coordinator for the Libyan crisis, who will work closely with the United Nations Resident Coordinators for Tunisia, Egypt and Niger and the Governments of those countries to ensure a consistent and coordinated response along Libya's borders to assist and repatriate people leaving Libya.

The Appeal includes the current and planned actions of 17 aid organizations: ACF-Spain, CARE International, FAO, Handicap International, IMC, IOM, IRC, Islamic Relief Worldwide, OCHA, Save the Children, UNDSS, UNFPA, UNHCR, UNICEF, UNOSAT, WFP, and WHO.

This appeal and its underlying action plan will be revised in two weeks to reflect the changing situation.

For further information, please call:

OCHA-New York: Amanda Pitt, +1917 442 1810, pitta@un.org

Stephanie Bunker, +1 917 367 5126, mobile +1 347 244 2106, bunker@un.org;

Nicholas Reader, +1 212 963 4961, mobile +1 646 752 3117, reader@un.org,

OCHA-Geneva: Elisabeth Byrs, +41 22 917 2653, mobile +41 79 473 4570, byrs@un.org

OCHA press releases are available at http://ochaonline.un.org or www.reliefweb.int

Also attached is Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Valerie Amos' Statement at the press briefing in Geneva on 7 March. The Statement is checked against delivery.