UN Pleads For Access To Libyan Situation

United Nations officials fear the humanitarian situation in Libya is worsening although they admit they are having a hard time getting a good estimate because of their limited access in the field.

Doctors have seen a sharp increase in casualties in the cities of Ajdabiya and Misrata, while intense fighting has been reported near the western town of Ras Edjir,  said Catherine Bragg, the UN’s Deputy Humanitarian Affairs and Relief Coordinator.

 However Bragg pointed out most of the country remains out of the reach of humanitarian groups.  She told a briefing for UN members states that the Emergency Relief Coordinator has called on all parties to facilitate and allow urgent humanitarian access, particularly in Western Libya, following reports of civilian injuries and deaths resulting from the fighting. 

Bragg says that more than 3/4 of the country remains out of reach from humanitarian actors. Human rights groups and aid agencies remain for the most part unable to confirm any death toll since the crisis began, although most agree that well over 2 000 people have been killed.

A UN humanitarian mission did visit the Eastern region of the country last week. Although basic humanitarian needs are for the most part being met in the east, Bragg says aid agencies are concerned shortages of equipment and specialized medical staff, along with the possible disruption of supply lines to the region, could transform the situation into a much bigger humanitarian crisis in coming days and months.

Michelle Klein Sullivan, United Nations Observer for the International Organization for Migration (IOM), says the number of people trying to leave Libya has decreased significantly in the past few days, but warned that the decrease was likely not a result of improving human rights situation on the ground

“It may be a reflection of the crackdown in the country, internal road blocks and border checks or more fear.” she said. 

Over 250 000 people, mainly migrant workers from Egypt and neighboring countries,  have already fled to the Tunisian and Egyptian borders since February 15th.

Secretary General Ban Ki Moon had a phone conversation with Libyan Foreign Minister Musa Kusa over the weekend, during which its was agreed a UN humanitarian assessment team would be granted unimpeded access into the Western region.

Ban’s spokesperson said the assessment team has already been assembled and was awaiting clearance from Libyan officials,  which Bragg said could come at some point some over the weekend. 

Earlier in the week, Secretary General Ban Ki Moon named a former Jordanian Foreign Minister, Abdul Ilah Khatib, as his special envoy to Libya. Khatib is to meet Ban at UN headquarters on Friday and is expected to begin urgent consultations with the regime in Tripoli. He may also travel to meet with Gaddafi government officials in the coming weeks.