World Humanitarian Day
| Ref: PRS 2026/08/1062 | August 19, 2026 |
World Humanitarian Day
Challenges Do Not Stop Humanity, Protecting Humanitarian Workers Is Essential to Saving Lives in Libya
Amid the complex humanitarian situation Libya has endured for more than a decade, World Humanitarian Day reminds us of the immense sacrifices made by humanitarian workers who confront extraordinary challenges in an environment marked by armed conflict, insecurity, and worsening humanitarian crises. This day offers an opportunity to highlight the efforts made to save lives and provide assistance to the most vulnerable — including internally displaced persons (IDPs), migrants, asylum seekers, and affected local communities — despite severe risks and limited resources.
As global humanitarian needs continue to rise, the message of World Humanitarian Day 2026 is unequivocal: “The time for concern is over. The time for consequence is now.” The humanitarian system is under unprecedented strain. By the end of May 2026, 252 million people worldwide were in urgent need of humanitarian assistance and protection — an increase of 13 million since the launch of the 2026 Global Humanitarian Overview. Humanitarian plans require US$ 33.66 billion, yet only 24.4% of this amount has been funded, threatening the ability of humanitarian actors to respond effectively.
In 2025 alone, 326 humanitarian workers were killed across 21 countries, bringing the number of humanitarian personnel killed over the past three years to more than 1,000. The United Nations also recorded over 37,000 civilian deaths across 20 armed conflicts in 2025, approximately one recorded civilian death every 14 minutes, a figure that represents only the documented minimum.
The Humanitarian Situation in Libya, Escalating Needs Amid Persistent Constraints
In Libya, the 2025–2026 Crisis Response Plan aims to meet the humanitarian needs of 430,000 people in 2026, up from 400,000 in 2025, reflecting the widening scope of humanitarian vulnerability. The total funding required for 2026 amounts to US$ 86.3 million, including US$ 9.4 million for protection, a significant increase from the previous year — and US$ 15.7 million to support regular migration pathways.
Despite ongoing efforts by international agencies and civil society organizations to reach as many people as possible, humanitarian work in Libya continues to face strict constraints. Although the country has witnessed periods of relative security improvement, these gains have quickly faded in the face of deep political division and growing restrictions on civil society organizations. This has resulted in limited freedom of movement and restricted humanitarian access to entire areas, depriving thousands of people of their right to emergency assistance and weakening the ability of NGOs to save lives and uphold human dignity.
Migrants and Asylum Seekers — Deepening Vulnerabilities
According to the latest Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) report for January–February 2026, Libya hosts 936,134 migrants from 47 nationalities across 100 municipalities, a slight decrease from the highest figure previously recorded, yet still one of the largest migrant populations in the region.
Geographical distribution:
- West: 53%
- East: 36%
- South: 11%
Top nationalities:
- Sudan: 36%
- Niger: 20%
- Egypt: 19%
- Chad: 9%
- Nigeria: 4%
Migrants and asylum seekers in Libya continue to face deteriorating humanitarian conditions. Many have been deprived of access to basic assistance, especially with the increasing influx of displaced people from Sudan settling in remote areas lacking any meaningful presence of international agencies. Even in areas where agencies are present, limited capacity prevents them from meeting the overwhelming needs.
Random security campaigns carried out by the Directorate for Combating Illegal Migration and other security bodies have further deprived many migrants of access to healthcare and humanitarian assistance. These operations have forced migrants to avoid movement — even to seek work — out of fear of arrest or detention, exacerbating their vulnerability and depriving them of opportunities to live with dignity.
DTM data shows that 78% of migrants are employed, but gender disparities are stark:
- Men: 81%
- Women: 45%
Key difficulties faced by migrants:
- Financial issues: 85% of men, 60% of women
- Attacks or assault: 30% of men, 17% of women
- Hunger or thirst: 25% of men, 15% of women
- Identity document issues: 24% of women, 11% of men
On World Humanitarian Day, Human Rights Solidarity Recommends:
To the Libyan Authorities:
- Lift unjustified pressure on individuals and organizations working in the humanitarian field.
- Ensure the Ministry of Social Affairs plays a more active role in monitoring vulnerable groups and establishing an accurate database that reflects real humanitarian needs.
- End restrictions imposed by various state entities on civil society and guarantee freedom of movement for humanitarian workers.
To International Agencies and OCHA:
- Adopt rights-based policies in assessing humanitarian needs in Libya.
- Strengthen field presence and community consultations to identify those most in need.
- Establish effective mechanisms to monitor and track assistance delivered to partners to ensure maximum transparency and integrity.
To the Zakat Fund in Libya:
- Increase support for migrants and asylum seekers, especially widows and women without family support.
- Allocate part of zakat and charity resources to shelter, food, healthcare, and social protection programs.
To Libyan Society:
- Respect and support the role of volunteers and humanitarian workers and recognize their essential contribution to protecting vulnerable populations.
Human Rights Solidarity Organization
Tripoli, Libya
August 19, 2026
References:
- United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), World Humanitarian Day 2026, Call to Protect Humanitarian Workers. United Nations, New York, 2026.
- United Nations, OCHA, Global Humanitarian Overview 2026. May 2026.
- International Organization for Migration (IOM), Libya Crisis Response Plan 2025–2026. Tripoli, December 2025.
- International Organization for Migration (IOM), IOM Strategic Plan for Libya 2026–2029. Geneva, 2026.
- International Organization for Migration (IOM), Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM), Libya Migrant Report: Key Findings, Round 61 (January–February 2026). Tripoli, May 2026.
- United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Operational Data Portal, Libya Displacement and Refugee Updates, 2025–2026.
- ReliefWeb Humanitarian Information Service, Situation Reports on Libya and Sudan, 2025–2026.
- Human Rights Solidarity (LHRS), World Humanitarian Day Statement 2025. Tripoli, August 2025.
