Libya

Introduction

Since 2011, Libya has faced intense conflict and political fragmentation that have greatly impacted Libya’s social fabric, basic services, and national infrastructure. 

The economy, already damaged by conflict, has been furtherly affected by Russia’s war in Ukraine and the effects of climate change. This has made it even more difficult for the most vulnerable Libyans, refugees and migrants. 

Since the start of the Sudanese crisis in 2023, the EU has mobilised, among others, funds to provide health care and support in water and sanitation in the refugee settlements in Al Kufra – an isolated desert city located about 240 km from Sudan. 

Libya hosts 412,000 Sudanese refugees, the fourth-largest number in the region, and local authorities estimate that close to 1 million refugees have passed through Al Kufra.

Facts & figures

Through its humanitarian efforts, the EU provides vital support to those in need.

EU humanitarian funding:

over €95 million since 2011

What are the needs?

The influx of Sudanese refugees into Libya, primarily through the southern desert town of Al-Kufra, continues at the rate of around 500 people daily, with children making up nearly half. 

Poor health and hygiene conditions

Ongoing conflict in Sudan has led many to arrive in poor health, suffering from: 

• communicable diseases
• mental health issues
• and lacking vaccinations 

This has overwhelmed Al-Kufra’s already limited health infrastructure, which struggles with staff shortages, inadequate equipment, and limited medicine supplies, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks such as tuberculosis and cholera.

Hygiene conditions are critical due to poor sanitation in the extremely overcrowded informal tent settlements. Although no cholera cases have been reported in Libya, largely due to a lack of testing capacity, outbreaks in Sudan and Chad pose a real threat, especially along open borders. The Ministry of Health, supported by WHO, has launched a cholera preparedness plan, but significant gaps remain in surveillance, lab capacity, logistics, and trained personnel.

The ongoing refugee crisis has strained public services and driven up prices, severely impacting the host community.

Displaced people

The number of internally displaced people continues to decline. However, mine contamination, insecurity, and limited access to jobs and basic services still deter many from returning home. 

Libya hosts over 890,000 migrants of 44 different nationalities, 1,000s of which endure extreme living conditions in urban settings and even more so in detention centres. The protection challenges they face are linked to their fragile status in the country, which limits their access to essential services. 

Furthermore, people on the move are exposed to: 

• higher risks of violence, exploitation
• arbitrary detention
• hazardous living conditions
• and abuse at the hands of smugglers and traffickers 
   

How are we helping?

Since 2011, the EU has allocated over €95 million in humanitarian aid to Libya. In 2025, the EU has allocated €3 million to the humanitarian response to indiscriminately support vulnerable people in the country, based on their needs and regardless of their nationality or status. 

As part of its regional programmes in North Africa and the Middle East, the EU also continues to support the safeguarding of international humanitarian law in Libya, as well as the protection of vulnerable people on the move, including unaccompanied minors. 

Between 2024 and 2025, €3.5 million were directed to Al Kufra, strengthening the response to the Sudanese refugee influx. This funding ensures that lifesaving assistance reaches both refugees and vulnerable host communities in one of Libya’s most remote regions, through partners such as: 

• the World Health Organization
• Première Urgence Internationale
• the International Medical Corps  

EU humanitarian partners stepped up awareness raising campaigns and hygiene promotion among vulnerable communities. Among the services they provide are:

• delivering health services
• introducing home visits and mobile clinics