Tripoli: The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has received $1.5 million from the Education Cannot Wait (ECW) initiative to support Sudanese refugee children in Libya. This funding aims to address urgent educational and psychosocial needs.
UNICEF representative Mohammad Fayyazi stated, "This contribution from the ECW allows us to tackle the critical education gaps for Sudanese refugee children in Libya, ensuring that no child is left behind." The program is designed to reach 19,000 children across Libya, offering both formal and non-formal educational opportunities.
The initiative ensures that children facing barriers, such as lack of documentation, have access to learning. Additionally, it integrates mental health and psychosocial support to help children cope with trauma from displacement and violence.
Since the start of 2024, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reports a doubling in the number of Sudanese refugees seeking safety in Libya, with around 400 arrivals daily. The ongoing crisis in Sudan has led to significant displacement, with 8.4 million people internally displaced and 3.1 million refugees in neighboring countries, including an estimated 210,000 in Libya.
UNHCR has noted that the influx of refugees has strained resources in Libya, particularly in remote areas like Alkufra, where refugees face food shortages and poor living conditions. The agency continues to provide lifesaving assistance, including healthcare and relief supplies, while calling for increased international support to improve living conditions and expand humanitarian efforts.