nlp-thedeep/humsetbias huggingface dataset:
During the reporting period sustained use of air strikes and artillery shelling in the vicinity of areas inhabited by civilians continued to negatively impact the safety and lives of the civilian population as the conflict has become protracted. While the number of incidents related to armed conflict reported during Round 28 data collection period  ( November   December 2019 )  remained high, it did not increase compared to the previous round  ( see Figure 3 below; source ACLED1  ) . However, despite an overall decline in the reported events of armed conflict, the civilian population at risk due to the armed conflict was feared to have increased as conflict moved closer to densely populated neighborhoods of Abu Salim and Al Hadba.
Libyan Crimes Watch  ( LCW )  has said it had documented the kidnapping of 20 civilians in Sirte since the fall of the city in the hands of Haftar.
Libya's UN recognized Government of National Accord said Sunday that forces of Khalifa Haftar had launched attacks in the country's northwest despite a call for ceasefire.
On January 12, parties in Libya announced a cease fire in response to a joint call by the leaders of Turkey and Russia.
Yet, since January 19, Haftar's forces had violated the ceasefire many times, including three Grad attacks on Tripoli's Mitiga Airport.
The closure of Libya's major oil fields and production facilities has resulted in losses of more than $255 million in the six day period ending January 23, the country's National Oil Corporation said on Saturday.
Indiscriminate shells fired by militias of Haftar hit several neighbourhoods in Tripoli yesterday, killing at least one person of Moroccan nationality and injuring 5 others, including children.
Speaking at a news conference in Berlin, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas deplored violations of the cease fire despite pledges made by conflict parties and regional actors at the Berlin Conference on Jan. 19.
IOM identified at least 636,426 migrants in Libya during the August – September data collection cycle  ( Round 27 ) . Migrants were identified in all 100 municipalities, within 567 communities and originated from at least 39 different countries. Information on current migration flows was collected through 416 assessments in 7 regions and 11 municipalities.
In 80% of surveyed municipalities key informants reported that the prices had increased, while 93% also reported that customers during the assessment time period were stocking up on essential items creating further shortages of essential supplies
A total of 1,350 surveys were conducted with migrants in 21 different regions in Libya. The results confirmed that food security, which was already a challenge for migrants, is being compromised by a deteriorating security situation and the threat of COVID 19 and its socioeconomic impact
Tajoura is a town in north western Libya, in the Tripoli district. The Daman building complex, which is located in a former industrial zone, comprises various facilities belonging to the Government of National Accord  ( GNA )  . The complex is also the 2 headquarters of the local Daman Brigade, a pro GNA armed group from Tajoura affiliated with the Ministry of Interior. At the time of the airstrikes, according to the Department of Combatting Illegal Migration  ( DCIM ) , the Tajoura Detention Centre was holding around 616 migrants and refugees , with the section of the hangar directly hit 3 holding some 126 persons.
Out of the 602,216 individuals from Africa, 406,905  ( 62% )  were from Sub Saharan countries and 195,311 individuals  ( 30% )  were from North African countries.
In 90% of assessed location all residents including IDPs were reported to have been negatively affected to some extent  ( due to the mobility restrictions / curfew )
Nearly a third of migrants  ( 32% )  were classified as severely or moderately food insecure according to food security indicators used to assess their current status  ( food consumption score )  and their coping capacity  ( livelihood strategies indicators ) . ) . An additional third  ( 34% )  are considered marginally food insecure and at risk of food insecurity, meaning that they have achieved minimally adequate food consumption without engaging in irreversible coping strategies.
In 93% of assessed locations, migrants who rely on daily labour were reported to have been negatively affected due to Covid 19 induced slowdown in economic activities
UNEMPLOYMENT is one of the major risk factors that increases vulnerability of migrants in Libya to harm and creates negative humanitarian consequences2
24% of migrants reported being unemployed during April 2020, an increase of 7% over Jan Feb 2020 data3
While 32 per cent of migrants from SubSaharan countries were identified in the South of the country, few Asian and Middle Eastern migrants were present there; only two per cent of Asian and Middle Eastern migrants in Libya were identified in Southern Libya.
In 28% of assessed locations, residents and host community members were reported to be unable to move freely within the municipality  ( due to the mobility restrictions / curfew
In 35% of assessed locations, migrants were reported to be unable to move freely within the municipality  ( due to the mobility restrictions / curfew
The lack of casual labour opportunities for migrants appear to be a critical concern as it can increase migrants' vulnerability.
Through IOM's Maritime Incidents tracking activities, DTM provides updates on the number of maritime incidents off the Libyan coast, as well as the latest figures on Italy arrivals and recorded deaths along the Central Mediterranean Route. Between January and November 2019, the total number of arrivals to Italy was recorded at 10,882 individuals representing a steep decline in comparison to the number of arrivals from the preceding year  ( as 23,011 arrivals were recorded in the same period of 2018 ) . As of 30 November 2019, 695 deaths were recorded along the central Mediterranean route. From the beginning of the year until 30 November, 8,613 migrants were returned by Libyan coast guards, this included 392 migrant minors and 584 females that were rescued.
Haftar's forces are notorious for looting and summary executions, and they include groups that are motivated by a thirst for revenge against entire communities
In the 44 assessed municipalities all educational institutions were reported to be closed due to COVID 19 indicating that education goals and protection of children were at increased risk of a continuing downward trend that has been observed for over a year in the conflict affected areas of Libya.
The top five nationalities identified were Nigerien  ( 20% ) , Egyptian  ( 15% ) , Chadian  ( 15% ) , Sudanese  ( 12% )  and Nigerian  ( 8% ) . Out of the total number of migrants identified, 588,459 individuals  ( 92% )  originated from 28 different African countries while 47,638 individuals  ( 8% )  came from 10 Asian and Middle Eastern countries. The remaining 329 individuals were recorded as unknown nationality and/or other country of origin.
Since the onset of armed conflict in the southern areas of Tripoli on 04 April 2019, a significant number of people have been affected. The conflict has also affected migrants held in the detention centers as well as those in urban locations and their protection remains a concern. By the end of September, more than 2,800 migrants were held in DCIM detention centers located near conflict affected areas and are among the most vulnerable populations at risk. The sustained use of air strikes and artillery shelling in the vicinity of areas inhabited by civilians, including migrants, continues to negatively impact the livelihoods of civilian population as the conflict has become protracted
Furthermore, the continued lack of work opportunities in safer areas due to the disruptions caused by the conflict and measures taken to curb the spread of COVID 19 can potentially force vulnerable migrants to engage in negative coping mechanisms for survival more frequently and more severely
"During the three years since original deal was struck, at least 40,000 people, including thousands of children, have been intercepted at sea, returned to Libya and exposed to unimaginable suffering."   Marie Struthers, Amnesty International
Libya's capital, Tripoli, has been the scene of fighting for over nine months, starting on 4 April 2019 when General Khalifa Haftar, head of the eastern based militia known as the Libyan National Army  ( LNA ) , launched an offensive towards Tripoli and against the internationally recognised and UN backed Libyan Government of National Accord  ( GNA )  based there. Libya does not have professional security forces, and the GNA currently relies on armed groups for its security. In his 15 January report on UNSMIL, the Secretary General described Libya as having “endured a downward spiral of conflict'
GNA head Fayez al Sarraj sent a message to the U.N. Security Council saying his country opposes Operation IRINI to monitor the U.N. arms embargo on Libya.
Reportedly, the extended lockdown measures, coupled with the food price spike, negatively affected transiting migrants who had not planned to stay in Algatroun; some of them reportedly spending their savings during the lockdown period. Consequently, increasing requests for food assistance were reported by field observers.
• The security situation in Sirt, Abu Qurayn and surrounding areas remain tense. Fighting since January 2020 has resulted in more than 4,650 people fleeing their homes.
One year since the launch of a military offensive in Tripoli, Libya, fighting is further worsening with COVID 19 now bringing new threats, warns UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency.
Although oil production rose by 18 per cent in 20185 and according to the Libyan National Oil Corporation has averaged 1.2 million barrels per day in 2019, production is below pre conflict levels of 1.6 million barrels per day. Furthermore oil production remains susceptible to disruptions due to conflict, with many facilities temporarily stopping production, which negatively impacts the economy.
A re escalation of conflict would risk serious and potentially immediate humanitarian deterioration – around 749,000 people are estimated to be in areas affected by clashes, including almost 345,000 people who remain in frontline areas.
Bangladeshi migrants reported reaching Libya through three main routes. More than a third  ( 39% )  travelled to Turkey first before entering Libya and reported spending on average 3,345 USD per person. A smaller proportion  ( 17% )  reported coming to Libya via the UAE and then Egypt and spending on average 4,200 USD per person. A minority  ( 9% )  travelled to Libya by air and their journey cost on average 2,640 USD per person. The rest  ( 35% )  reported having reached Libya through a variety of routes.
Numerous reports revealed that they faced several safety concerns upon returning, including the presence of mines and Explosive Remnants of War  ( ERW )  that have killed a number of civilians and de mining personnel
Members of both communities are also potentially more vulnerable to adverse impacts in case there is an outbreak of COVID 19, as they live in impoverished and densely populated neighborhoods such as Taouiri in Sabha, where social distancing is essentially impossible.
KIs reported that education was more commonly accessible through television and telephone than via the internet. Community representatives from all population groups  ( including all KIs representing East African communities )  noted that only some members of their community were able to access the internet. This included all KIs representing East African communities
As of 30 May, 130 confirmed cases of COVID 19 are reported in Libya. Until present, a total of 6,668 samples were tested for COVID 19. A total of 5 COVID 19 mortality cases were registered in the country.
“Violent Clashes took place over the past 48 hours in the Brega region, only hundreds of meters away from oil tanks, between armed groups called Al Saiqa and the Petroleum Facilities Guard  ( PFG ) , all of whom belong to Khalifa Haftar.
Nearly two thirds of migrants with acceptable food consumption levels  ( 64% )  reported using coping strategies to mitigate a lack of food or the means to buy food, meaning that if the security and economic situation continue to deteriorate, they could fall into food insecurity.
five civilians were killed by grad rockets attacks of Haftar's forces on Al Thelat roundabout and Al Gharbi street, according to the media adviser of Health Ministry Ameen Al Hashimi.
Between 07 and 31 May 2020, close to 2,200 Libyans reportedly returned from Egypt through Emsaed, while almost 2,000 Libyans returned from Tunisia through Ras Ajdir land border crossing point.
The NOc added that the armed groups and PFG forces exchanged gunfire using medium sized, 23mm caliber firearms and rocket propelled grenades  ( RPGs ) , which reflects the lack of responsibility and military discipline among these armed groups, whose actions jeopardize oil facilities and threaten the safety of NOC workers as well the residents in the surrounding areas.
Four civilians were killed – including a woman  and six wounded since the deceptive announcement of Haftar's spokesman about a false cease fire,' said Mustafa al Majei, spokesman for the GNA led Burkan Al Ghadab  ( Volcano of Rage )  Operation.
Haftar's forces on Tuesday attacked a hospital in Ain Zara province, wounding three healthcare providers. In the last two days, rocket attacks by Haftar militias claimed the lives of six civilians.
“Militias targeted Mitiga International Airport with rockets and the shelling was still going on,' al Majei said, noting the airport has been closed for a while due to Haftar forces' assaults.
The mosque in Ain Zara town was seriously damaged after being hit by mortar shells, it said in a statement. The militias, the GNA said, also fired rockets at Mitiga International Airport and its surrounding residential areas.
Libya's coronavirus cases continue to rise as Tripoli government extends curfew for another 10 days
Meanwhile, this week, Haftar's militias attacked the capital Tripoli once again on the first day of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, killing three civilians.
There are no doctors in any of the PHCCs in the Mantiqa of Al Kufrah  ( only nurses ) , they are only available in the Al Jawf City Hospital; this means that people living outside of the city have limited access to basic health care services. Moreover, PHCCs often lack both equipment and medication, making the quality of service extremely precarious.
As of 29 March 2020, the Libyan National Centre for Disease Control  ( NCDC )  has reported eight confirmed cases of COVID19 reported in Libya. There is a total of 112 suspected cases, 120 cases have been tested and 125 people have been placed into quarantine. Of the confirmed cases, six have been identified in Misrata and two in Tripoli.
Libya is suffering from divided institutions, corruption, a struggling economy and low oil revenues. According to the U.N., since the blockade was imposed around mid January, the country has lost $4 billion in oil revenues while the country also faces the relatively new threat of COVID 19.
Haftar, the leader of illegal armed forces in eastern Libya, has intensified attacks on civilians since the beginning of May as government forces recently gained the advantage and inflicted severe losses on his militants.
During the months of January and February, an increase in the numbers of migrants arriving in the municipality of Alkufra from Sudan was observed. This was mainly reported to be a result of the restrictions on migrants' movement inside the municipality being eased.
Forces loyal to Khalifa Haftar launched rocket attacks Wednesday on the capital Tripoli, killing four civilians – females – and injuring several others. Three girls from the same family were killed in the first attack in southern Tripoli's Ain Zara suburb, according to the Health Ministry under the UN recognized Government of National Accord  ( GNA ) .
Not knowing where to go to get assistance continues to be the largest barrier to health care access for refugees and migrants in Libya.
Since the first COVID 19 case was confirmed in Libya on March 25, over 3,100 people have been brought back to Libya's shores   and not a single one has been tested for the disease.
These access barriers are reportedly faced by a significant part of the population in the city. All healthcare worker KIs reported that the public healthcare system in Tripoli is only partially operational.
Libya is at high risk of the spread of COVID 19 given its growing levels of insecurity, political fragmentation, weak health system and high numbers of migrants, refugees and IDPs. Libya is in its ninth year of instability and conflict. The Libyan health system was already over stretched, under resourced and unlikely to be able to respond to the pandemic.
The Libyan National Oil Corporation  ( NOC )  said the levels of oil production are down to 95,837 barrels per day as of March 22, a statement on the state owned company's Facebook page said on Tuesday. The Libyan NOC added that the dramatic decline in oil production had resulted in financial losses exceeding $3.5 billion since January 17.
With the first case of Covid 19 in Libya confirmed on 25th March, containment measures are now in force across the country. While the outbreak of COVID 19 continues to spread in the region, the conflict in Libya intensifies, putting increased pressure on local health systems to handle the epidemic alongside mass conflict casualties.
GENEVA  ( 17 June 2020 )  – UN experts* today warned that reliance on foreign actors has contributed to the escalation of the conflict in Libya. The UN Working Group on the use of mercenaries expressed alarm at widespread reports about the use of mercenaries and related actors, particularly since the start of the offensive by the Libyan National Army  ( LNA )  to seize the capital Tripoli in April 2019.
In response to the question on syndromic self reported acute illnesses, also 3% of the sample reported suffering from acute illnesses at the time of the interview.
Due to the recent spike in COVID 19 cases seen in the country, the decision was reportedly made not to re open schools until at least mid July
The number of food insecure migrants is highest for those living with other migrants  ( 36% )  compared to those living either with family members and relatives  ( 18% )  or alone  ( 18% )
Despite a commitment by world leaders to de escalate a few short weeks ago in Berlin, conditions on the ground have continued to deteriorate. More civilians are in danger, more refugees and migrants   many of whom fled persecution in their home countries   are without protection, and violations of international humanitarian law continue with impunity
At least 28 civilians were injured and five killed, including women and children, due to the dramatic increase of indiscriminate shelling on civilian populated areas, including Ain Zara, Al Swani, Tareeq al Shook, Souq Al Juma,, Al Krimya, Al Furnaj and Arada. These attacks also resulted in renewed displacement and damage to civilian properties and infrastructure. On 17 April, the Royal Hospital in Tripoli was also hit, resulting in extensive damage to the intensive care unit and the evacuation of staff and patients.
Families in Tripoli are trapped, unable to flee to safety because of the risk of violence, including airstrikes and rocket attacks. More than 3,000 refugees and migrants are trapped in detention centers dangerously close to the fighting, where they face human rights abuses and risk being killed in the conflict.
Children continue to pay the highest price in the conflict in Libya: since the launch of ‘zero hour' to take Tripoli and Western Libya on 16 December five schools have been partially destroyed and 210 schools were forced to close in Ain Zara, Abu Salim and Souq Al Jumaa area, pushing 115,000 children out of school.
Civilians in Libya are suffering deeply from a war that is hitting neighborhoods, health facilities and schools. Daily life for many Libyans is marked by chronic fear and uncertainty as families find it harder and harder to make ends meet, President Peter Maurer of the International Committee of the Red Cross  ( ICRC )  said at the end of a visit here.
32% of migrants in Libya reported inadequate food consumption*
Without sufficient funding, UNICEF will not be able to continue providing life saving interventions, such as immunization for 250,000 children or mine risk education for 50,000 children
As of 26 April 2020, the Libyan National Centre for Disease Control  ( NCDC )  reported 61 confirmed cases, including two COVID related deaths, in Libya. Eighteen people have recovered and 41 are under observation. A total of 1,623 tests have been performed.
Over seven years of conflict in Libya affected 1.6 million people at the beginning of 2019, of whom 823,000 were in need of humanitarian assistance including 241,000 children. 1 The majority of those in need are located in urban areas, primarily in the west and east, though the less dense and rural south also remains highly vulnerable
Thousands of Libyans have been forced to flee their homes – many repeatedly. Last year saw around 177,000 people displaced from their homes because of fighting in different parts of the country, including 150,000 people uprooted due to fighting around Tripoli.
• The USD/LYD exchange rate had dropped by 13% from July   December 2019 on parallel markets, but rose by 4.8% from December 2019 to January 2020.
The latest escalation of hostilities, which began in April 2019, featured indiscriminate attacks on populated areas and infrastructure that disproportionately affected civilians and put up to 500,000 children at risk. At least 284 civilians were killed and 363 were injured2 while more than 140,000 people were internally displaced. 3 Some internally displaced people reside with extended families in host communities, while others have found refuge in shelters  ( including converted schools )  in and around Tripoli.
Ain Zara, a district in Tripoli, witnessed a 4.6% increase in the cost of the MEB. This may be due to the additional road closures surrounding the area from pressing military activity gradually enclosing the city.3
Heavy shelling was reported on 14 February in five neighborhoods of Tripoli while clashes continued in the Hadhba and Airport Road frontlines. At least 4 shells landed at Tripoli University. Despite the renewed call for a ceasefire and the UN arms embargo, parties to the conflict continue to reinforce their positions and bring in military supplies.
During the first two weeks of February, at least 6 civilians have been killed and 24 injured.
The situation in Abu Grain where clashes have taken place over the last few weeks remains tense. Since late January, an additional 153 families have been displaced, bringing the total number of Internally Displaced People from Abu Grain and Sirte to 558 families  ( 2790 individuals ) .
Libya is also a leading transit country for refugees and migrants over 630,000 migrants are currently registered, including more than 57,000 children. Of the latter, nearly 15,000 were separated or unaccompanied and at high risk of exploitation and abuse. 5 Approximately 101,073 migrants are living in conflict affected Tripoli of which 4,475 are held in detention in Tripoli close to the conflict lines.6 The Central Mediterranean Route from Libya to Europe remains the deadliest in the region, with 750 deaths recorded in 2019.7
UNICEF signed an MoU with IOM, UNFPA and WFP to implement the Rapid Response Mechanism  ( RRM )  modality providing emergency assistance to displaced populations at the onset of a crisis
24% of migrants reported being unemployed, an increase of 7% compared to Jan Feb 2020 data
Shahhat, Albayda Other residents including IDPs and host community also faced challenges in accessing livelihoods or commuting to workplaces due to curfews and restrictions on freedom of movement. Key informants also reported that residents were facing challenges in being able to access markets due to the curfew and market closures.
38% of migrants who are unemployed reported inadequate food consumption
Shahhat, Albayda Those migrants still present in Albayda and Shahhat were reported to be severely affected due to loss of livelihoods and were also unable to move freely within the municipality, nor were they able to leave the municipality and return
Internally displaced families such as these in Tripoli are extremely vulnerable to the ongoing conflict.
Lives continue to be at risk even where active hostilities have abated, as many areas previously cleared of explosive remnants of war have been re contaminated, according to the UN Mine Action Service.
On 18 February three civilians were killed and five others were injured, according to the Ministry of Health, when missiles hit Tripoli's seaport terminal and cargo area.
71% of migrants living in informal settings reported being highly food insecure
Shahhat, Albayda During the month of May, key informants reported that residents were unable to leave the municipality of Shahhat, while in both Shahhat and Albayda key informants reported that arriving IDPs may face challenges. However, soon after the data collection for May, in early days of June 2020, IDPs from Tarhuna, Sirt, Bani Waleed and other conflict affected areas in western Libya were reported to have safely arrived in these municipalities despite the mobility restrictions and curfew.
“This blockade is a historic crime against the people of Libya. Some of the damage we have suffered is permanent and can never be repaired. Producing oil reservoirs that are shut down suddenly undergo mechanical, structural, chemical and even microbiological changes. These changes can result in early water production and death of oil wells.
11% of migrants reported not having access to a kitchen  ( 49% of which are food insecure
Tens of thousands of Libyans, in addition to an increasing number of vulnerable migrants and refugees, continue to endure appalling hardship and suffering. The increasing use of explosive weapons has resulted in unnecessary loss of life, displacement, destruction and damage to vital civilian infrastructure, such as hospitals and schools.
In April 2019, fighters affiliated with the armed group known as the LNA, which is based in eastern Libya and aligned with the Interim Government headquartered in Benghazi and al Bayda, attacked armed groups loyal to the rival Tripoli based GNA.
On 16 December the Libyan National Army  ( LNA )  announced a ‘zero hour' to capture Tripoli and the rest of western Libya. This resulted in intensified fighting, including indiscriminate attacks on civilian areas, in Southern Tripoli and Western Libya and displaced 9,863 families  ( 149,315 individuals, approx. 59,726 children )  from their homes.
Most IDP families are reportedly staying in private accommodation  ( such as with relatives, friends and host families )  while collective shelters have also been set up in several displacement areas, including Ashshwayrif, Bani Waleed and Benghazi.
At least five schools were partially destroyed in December and 115,000 children in 210 schools in Ain Zara, Abu Salim and Souq Al Jum'aa were prevented from attending classes until end year.4 WASH infrastructure and services have also deteriorated significantly, with only 65% of households connected to the public water network and 90% of untreated waste water being disposed directly into the sea increasing the risk of waterborne illness. Children increasingly suffer from psychosocial distress due to the conflict and remain highly vulnerable to unexploded remnants of war.
Ongoing hostilities in Libya have left numerous cities severely “re contaminated' with unexploded ordnance, threatening schools, universities and hospitals, the UN Mine Action Service  ( UNMAS )  said on Wednesday.
It follows months of conflict in the suburbs of Tripoli between the UN recognized Government of National Accord  ( or GNA )  and the self styled Libyan National Army  ( LNA ) , led by commander Khalifa Haftar, who laid siege to the capital last April.
Ejkherra, Aujala, Derna, Emsaed, Jalu, Ejdabia Migrants were reported to be present at work recruitment points, however the number of livelihood opportunities available to migrants were reported to have reduced due to economic slowdown. Migrants were also reported to face challenges in moving within these municipality areas to search for livelihoods due to the restrictions on mobility imposed. In all these locations migrants were reported to be severely affected by the restrictions, and the slowdown in economic activity.e
So far this year, at least 647 civilians have been killed or injured in Libya, the majority in Tripoli, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs  ( OCHA ) .
Food consumption was not adequate for over a third of unemployed surveyed individuals  ( 38% ) . Food consumption scores were borderline for 21 per cent and poor for 17 per cent of migrants.
On 4 February, in the Kuweifiya area of Benghazi, three boys, aged between 9 and 15 years, were injured when an unexploded explosive ordnance detonated when they were collecting scrap metal. During the night of 17 February, in Murzuq, an unattributed airstrike on the Zawiat Zala complex killed a civilian man and injured two children. On 5 March, also in Murzuq, an unidentified armed group fired a rocket at a group of civilians watching a football game, killing three boys and injuring four others. On 8 April, in Qasr Bin Ghashir, five children were injured by a mortar round that dropped beside a tent where a funeral was being held. On 28 November, Libyan National Army airstrikes in Um alAraneb killed 10 children and seriously injured six other children.
Since March, intercommunal violence and fighting between Tebu and Ahali communities in Murzuq increased. 2 In early June, 16 men were reported killed and 17 others, including four women, injured in such clashes. While these clashes were primarily of an intercommunal nature, the airstrikes against Murzuq on 4 August by the Libyan National Army sparked fighting between the Tebu and Ahali communities, resulting in killing, kidnapping, the burning of private houses and consequent displacement. As at August, 5,293 families had been displaced from Murzuq and surrounding areas  ( approximately 26,465 individuals ) , mainly from the Ahali community.
On 17 July, Siham Sergewa, a member of the House of Representatives, was abducted from her home in Benghazi by an armed group. A few hours before, in an interview on Al Hadath television, she called for “an end to the bloodshed'. She criticized General Haftar's assault on Tripoli, and called for a unity government of all parties, including the Muslim Brotherhood, to which some of the groups defending Tripoli belong. At the time of writing, the fate and whereabouts of Ms. Sergewa were still unknown. UNSMIL/OHCHR condemned the abduction and disappearance, calling upon relevant authorities to investigate and disclose her whereabouts.
In west Libya, unofficial liquified petroleum gas  ( LPG )  prices rose by 76.5% since December 2019. This has led to LPG prices in Libya overall becoming 250% higher than in January 2019. On December 29th, reports claim that Libya's largest refinery was almost completely shut down due to clashes between armed forces and multiple missiles narrowly missing the oil storage tanks.1, 2 The security incident may have affected the refinery's production, thus creating less supply on official and parallel markets in west Libya.
In July 2019, a three point peace plan, including provisions for a truce between the parties, an international conference, and a Libyan owned consultative process, was presented to the UN Security Council in an effort to deescalate fighting, resolve the conflict and return all parties to the political process. Amidst increasing international involvement in the conflict and growing risk of regional escalation, an international conference was convened in Berlin on 19 January 2020. The conference aimed to solidify a fragile mid January truce and create an enabling international environment for a Libyan solution to the conflict.
Since 2011, Libya has been affected by political, security and economic volatility. An escalation in conflict and insecurity since September 2018 remained largely localised. Successive Libyan governments have struggled to assert control over the country, with instability allowing rival political parties and armed militias to compete for power and control over key territories and strategic assets. Governance structures have been eroded, state institutions weakened, and the economy damaged. With each passing year, people have struggled to withstand the impact of a crisis that has destabilized the country and driven humanitarian needs.
Since 4 April, fighting between the Libyan National Army forces and the Government of National Accord has continued in and around Tripoli, with serious human rights abuses and violations and violations of international humanitarian law committed by all parties, with total impunity. In July, the conflict spread beyond the capital, with air and drone strikes against Misrata, Sirte and Jufra. Since May, the conflict in southern Tripoli has escalated, with intensified airstrikes by fixed wing aircraft and armed unmanned aerial vehicles, and the increasing use of explosive weapons, including artillery, mortars, rockets and grenades, causing even more civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure.
Airstrikes were the leading cause of civilian casualties during the period under review, accounting for 394 victims  ( 182 deaths and 212 injured ) , including 302 men, seven women, 24 boys, and 53 males whose age could not be determined, followed by ground fighting, improvised explosive devices, abductions and killings. UNSMIL/OHCHR documented the highest number of civilian casualties in the western part of the country  ( 171 deaths and 182 injured ) , followed by the southern part  ( 97 deaths and 96 injured )  and eastern areas  ( 16 deaths and 85 injured ) . Most of the casualties were attributed to the Libyan National Army.
During the year, fighting to regain control of certain areas or to repel offensives by parties to the conflict intensified in and around civilian populated areas. Airstrikes combined with indirect fire weapons during ground fighting, including artillery, mortars, rockets and grenades, caused the majority of the civilian casualties in civilian populated areas. As indirect weapons cannot be guided to hit a specific target and have a wide area of impact, the risk of civilian casualties is very high when they are used in such areas. UNSMIL/OHCHR recorded 98 civilian casualties  ( 29 deaths and 69 injured ) , including 64 men, 13 women, 14 boys, six girls, and one male whose age could not be determined, during ground fighting resulting from the use of indirect weapons.
After the price of potatoes doubled from April to November 2019, the cost has since subsided and dropped 26.3%. This may indicate the end of a "potato crisis", where prices of the four domestically produced vegetables in Libya  ( Onions, Peppers, Tomatoes and Potatoes )  were affected by conflict related logistical disruptions from April   August 2019. The prices of most vegetables decreased in September 2019, apart from potatoes that continued to rise until November.
To add on to the already worrying explosive ordnance contamination left from previous conflicts, the threat from explosive hazards has been further aggravated by the escalation of conflict in Tripoli in April 2019, clashes in Murzuq in August 2019, and the recent wave of intensified clashes around Tripoli which resulted in increased civilian casualties and displacement. This has had a negative impact on public infrastructure such as schools, roads and hospitals. Children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable to mine and ERW incidents, and those who survive are likely to experience serious physical, psychological and social difficulties.
Prices for dishwashing liquid and laundry detergent were both respectively 70.8% and 77.1% higher than January 2019. This indicates a different trend to the rest of the hygiene items that have seen price reductions of up to 32.8%.
Eritreans  ( 87% )  mainly entered and/or transited Sudan through Kassala. The second most transited city was Gedaref  ( 14% ) . Once further into the country, 79% reported passing through Khartoum, and 15% through El Fasher. The main transit city for Ethiopians  ( n=63 )  is Khartoum  ( 84%; n=53 ) , followed by Kassala  ( 37% ) , and El Fasher  ( 29% ) . Of the 20 Somalis who moved through Sudan, 13 transited via Khartoum, 7 through El Fasher and 5 through Dongola. 4Mi data also reveal that more than half of the East Africans and Sudanese report  ( 57.7% )  passing through ‘the desert' to reach Libya. It is not clear whether these respondents did not want to disclose their exact location or were unfamiliar with their location in northern Sudan.
In response to the question on syndromic self reported acute illnesses, 3% of the sample reported suffering from acute illnesses at the time of the interview. The highest syndromic self reported illnesses were acute respiratory conditions such as flue or cough  ( 33% ) , followed by possible urinary infections  ( 29% ) , skin diseases  ( 26% )  and watery diarrhoea  ( 15% ) .
Of those living in the rented accommodations 57% of the migrants  ( 375,523 individuals )  were reported to be paying for their own accommodation, whereas 9%  ( 60,850 individuals )  were living in accommodations rented by their employers, and 3%  ( 17,687 individuals )  were living in rented accommodations paid for by other people who were not their employers.
A significant number of migrants  ( 50,136 individuals; 8% )  were reported to be living in their workplaces. While, 6% of the migrants  ( 42,503 individuals )  were reported to have other accommodation or shelter settings including public buildings such as schools  ( 875 migrants ) , or were reported to be homeless and without adequate access to shelters  ( 1,080 migrants ) .
The news comes as some reports begin to emerge of some shortages of goods of Libyan origin within the Libyan market. It will be recalled that a cargo service was announced in April between Sfax and Tripoli to help ease trade between the two countries.
The Media Advisor to the Ministry of Health, Amin Al Hashemi, stated that 14 civilians have been killed and 54 others injured due to indiscriminate bombing by Haftar's militias over the past three days, on several residential neighborhoods throughout Tripoli.
Migrants were observed to be able to move freely in the municipality of Ghat as less restrictions imposed by local authorities were reported between October and December 2019. Most of the migrants present in Ghat were identified to be migrant workers looking for casual / daily work opportunities. During the reporting period, as winter season resulted in cold weather, migrants reported to face challenges in being able to purchase appropriate winter clothing or heating items due to high prices and limited supply on local markets. Furthermore, a general lack of access to adequate medical facilities in the municipality and infrequent supply of drinking water further exacerbated the situation of migrants in Ghat.
Migrants were reported to continue to arrive in Tobruk due to the availability of work opportunities in the municipality. Local authorities were reported to have conducted health screening campaigns aimed at migrants to detect and prevent transmission of communicable diseases as part of their efforts aimed at facilitating legal residence status for those migrants who had recently found jobs. However, migrants from Egypt without work or residence authorization were also reported to have been sent back to Egypt.
The number of migrants present in Misrata were reported to have slightly increased  ( 4%, from 57,484 during round 27 to 59,310 migrants in round 28 )  during the months of October to December in light of the stable security situation. Based on field observations made during the reporting period, a higher number of migrants were present at work recruitment points searching for daily labour or casual work opportunities. Several of these migrants were reported to have arrived to Misrata from the conflict affected areas in South Tripoli.
This report presents the findings of DTM Round 28  ( October   December 2019 )  data collection, in which at least 654,081 migrants from 40 countries of origin were identified in Libya. The majority of migrants identified  ( 65% )  were from countries neighbouring Libya, especially Niger  ( 137,544 migrants ) , Chad  ( 102,754 migrants ) , Egypt  ( 99,938 migrants )  and Sudan  ( 74,609 migrants ) . This indicates that geographical proximity and historical cross border connections, including well established migrant networks play a strong role in shaping the trends and dynamics of migration to Libya.
Particularly access to health services emerged as a critical constraint with 74% of interviewed migrants reported having limited or no access to health services. Furthermore, challenges related to WASH services and regular access to sufficient amounts of drinking water was particularly prevalent in Southern Libya, and more recently also in Western Libya where 25% of surveyed migrants indicated challenges related to access to water. The armed conflict in Western Libya, that started in April 2019 continues to negatively impact the situation of migrants in the affected and surrounding areas
Tobruk, Benghazi, Alkufra Key informants reported that all residents in the municipalities of Benghazi and Alkufra were affected to varying levels due to the restrictions on freedom of movement, however the most affected were those dependent on daily wage livelihood opportunities.
Tobruk, Benghazi, Alkufra In Tobruk and Benghazi the number of migrants present at street side work recruitment points was reported to have decreased, while in Alkufra an increase in the number of migrants searching for casual daily wage labour was reported. In all three municipalities the jobs available to migrants dependent on daily wages were reported to have reduced due to a slowdown in the economic activities
During May, residents of Albawanees, Brak, and Algatroun were unable to leave the municipality or return due to the movement restrictions imposed as public health measures. While in Brak residents also faced challenges preventing their movement inside the municipality during the hours of curfew. Similar restrictions in these municipalities were faced by the migrants who were affected disproportionately more due to loss of livelihoods.
, a total of 7301 samples have been tested  ( 5046 in Tripoli, 2103 in Benghazi, 113 in Misrata and 39 in Sebha )
While in all municipalities migrants were reported to be present at work recruitment points, the jobs available to those migrants dependent on daily wages were reported to have drastically reduced. In the municipalities of Albawanees and Aljufra key informants reported that significant proportion of migrants dependent on daily wages were unable to find any work for several weeks.
• In the South, food insecurity levels were high in Albawanees  ( 77% ) , in Sebha  ( 66% )   ( where migrants reported to have been affected by increased food prices in February 2020 )  and to a lesser extent in Algatroun  ( 17% ) .
Following intensification of the conflict in Western Libya over the past weeks, several locations between Garabolli and Tarhuna were heavily affected by armed clashes on 18 19 April 2020. Reportedly, at least 620 families  ( approximately 3,100 individuals )  were forced to displace from different villages in the conflict affected area, including Al Kwiaa, Al Rawagih and Sidi Madi, over the past 48 hours.
However, access to health services was reported as a major constraint for migrants in Libya. The majority of the assessed migrants reported only having limited or no access to the health services in Libya  ( 71% ) .
Meanwhile, the authorities have now confirmed ten cases of COVID 19 and one death in Libya, raising new fears about the ability of the country's weakened health services to respond.
Migrants from Bangladesh represented the largest cohort with 21,038 migrants  ( 47% of the migrants from Asia/Middle East )  identified during the reporting period. This was followed by 17,012 Syrians  ( including refugees )  identified in Libya, and 3,293 Palestinians
Moreover, the situation became even more complicated for humanitarian agencies that had already been facing difficulties in obtaining visas and security clearances for their staff and clearances and permits to import items through the seaports and airports in Libya. This is largely due to the curfew and lockdown regulations in both Libya and Tunisia which resulted in the limited work hours and capacity of institutions overseeing such processes
UNHCR registered 346 individuals at the Sarraj Registration Office in Tripoli. The nationalities included Sudan, Syria, Eritrea, Somalia, Palestine, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Nigeria, Burkina Faso and Iraq. The process of registration enables the early identification of vulnerable individuals with specific needs within a population and their referral to an available protection response.
According to field observers, most newly internally displaced populations moved to surrounding areas, particularly to the close by localities of Garabolli  ( 1,925 new IDPs ) , Al Khums  ( 150 new IDPs ) , Msallata & Al Aloos  ( 225 new IDPs ) , Zliten  ( 175 new IDPs ) , Qasr Akhyar  ( 275 new IDPs )  and Tarhuna  ( 350 new IDPs ) . Most IDP families are reportedly staying with relatives, friends, host families and in rented accommodations.
A total of 11 per cent of surveyed migrants reported not having access to a kitchen. Out of those  ( 148 migrants ) , nearly half  ( 49% )  had borderline or poor consumption levels. In comparison, 23 per cent of migrants who have access to a kitchen had inadequate levels of food consumption.
More than 300 civilians have been killed and 150,000 others displaced from their homes since last April. Despite the tentative agreement on a humanitarian truce, fighting escalated significantly in the past week. The deteriorating security has also undermined the ability of the tens of thousands of formerly displaced persons to safely return to their areas of origin.
Critical humanitarian needs reported by IDP families include food, non food items, medical supplies, including for chronic diseases such as diabetes, as well as WASH assistance. Required non food items particularly concern mattresses and blankets.
The ongoing conflict has severely impacted the country's health system and medical services, which have limited financial resources and face shortages of basic equipment and medicines. Many hospitals or health facilities, located in areas close to the conflict, have also been damaged or closed.
The security situation is increasing humanitarian needs and making it more difficult for aid workers to reach vulnerable populations. Security challenges are now coupled with grave health concerns posed by the potential spread of the COVID 19 virus, especially in detention centres. Libya recorded its first confirmed case of COVID 19 on March 24. Twenty people have so far tested positive.
Both national authorities in the West and East have implemented curfews – 14:00 to 07:00 in the West and 15:00 to 07:00 in the East – in addition to other prevention measures limiting the movement between municipalities and regions. Friday prayers and gatherings at mosques have been suspended until further notice, as have all major events and gatherings. All shops have been closed, except for those selling food and pharmacies. Schools have also been closed. Restrictions of some public transportation have been imposed.