IOM 65th anniversary: Libya Evacuation
Channel: IOM - UN Migration
Date: 20/07/2016

In February 2011, civil unrest in Libya rapidly evolved into an armed conflict. 

Thousands of migrants found refuge in the port of Misrata, living in fear and inhuman conditions, in the open air or abandoned containers.

On 15 April 2011, IOM begun its first rescue operation by sea. In total, 15 evacuations transporting a total of 8,432 stranded migrants (from 30 different nationalities) and a  total of 503 medical cases, were operated from Misrata to Benghazi between 15 April and 21 August.

IOM also used the ships to deliver humanitarian assistance offered by the people of Benghazi to the people of Misrata - in total 2,100 tons of humanitarian aid, along with medical personnel to supply hospitals and medical centres.

Music: “The house glows (with almost no help)” by Chris Zabriskie
Licensed under Creative Commons 3.0