MARITIME UPDATE
On 31 October, 299 migrants (231 men, 39 women and 29 children) were rescued or intercepted off Tripoli. The migrants come from countries such as Mali, Nigerian Cameroon, Nigeria,
Guinea Conakry and Ivory Coast. All migrants were registered at disembarkation point and underwent a medical assessment where they were found to be in good health. On 7 November, 48 migrants (35 men and 13 women) were rescued by the Libyan Coast Guard. According to their testimony as many as 82 migrants may remain missing since the vessel's capsizing. Among the rescued, nine reportedly suffered from burn injuries with two transferred to hospital. IOM assisted the migrants at the disembarkation point including with health assessments. On 4 November, 151 migrants (137 men, one woman and 13 minors) were rescued or intercepted at sea off Tripoli. All migrants were found in relatively stable health condition.So far in 2017, 19,333 migrants have been rescued in Libyan waters
IOM Chief of Mission first visit to eastern Libya since 2014
As per the first time since the evacuation in 2014, IOM international staff, Chief of Mission and two additional international staff, including the security officer, visited Libyan eastern city of Benghazi.
On Tuesday 31 October, IOM attended a one day open event to commemorate the 17th anniversary of UNSCR 1325 on Women Peace and Security together with UNSMIL’s SRSG Maria Ribeiro and other highlevel representatives. Following the one-day event, IOM extended its visit, together with UNHCR’s CoM, for further three days. During the three-day mission IOM met with Mayor of Benghazi, local municipality representatives, human rights activists, civil society organizations and other partners including the Libyan Red Crescent, as well as IOM staff based in the east. IOM also assessed the needs of two Tawergha IDP camps outside the city. Some of the most urgent needs identified included lack of doctors and medical supplies at the area’s health clinic, humanitarian direct assistance, rehabilitation of schools and access to water.
The aim of the visit was to reiterate IOM’s close relationship to local authorities and assess how to better respond to the humanitarian needs of the eastern part of the country. Recognizing the dire needs, IOM is in the process of expanding its staff in the east including one international staff.IOM currently has all its departments operating (with Community Stabilization pending) in eastern Libya but challenges include security and lack of Embassy personnel (for Voluntary Humanitarian Return assistance), as well as international IOM staff.
