nlp-thedeep/humsetbias huggingface dataset:
Of the 60 confirmed cases, two patients have died, 18 have recovered and 40 are under follow up. Most confirmed cases are in Tripoli  ( 45 including 2 deaths )  followed by Misrata  ( 10 ) , Benghazi  ( 4 )  and Surman  ( 1 ) .
An agreement was reached on 12 April to re establish the water supply to Libya's capital city, Tripoli, which has been suffering from water cuts since Monday 6 April. More than 2 million people were affected by the water cuts when a group in the southern town of Shwerif closed the main water pipeline to western Libya as part of an ongoing dispute over the disappearance of a close relative of the group. The water supply is progressively being established in the affected areas since Monday.
On 13 April, four hospitals in Tripoli, providing an average of 18,000 medical consultations every week, suspended their operations due to insecurity. Three ambulances and four transport cars were also seized at the Sabratha hospital and another 51 primary health care centres and private clinics in Sabratha, Surman and Al Ajaylat have stopped their services.
Heavy fighting continues in and around Tripoli. According to a recent rapid assessment fighting near Tarhuna and along the coastal road that erupted from 18 19 April 2020 resulted in the displacement of at least 3,100 people. The majority have moved to surrounding areas and are staying with friends and families or in rented accommodation. OCHA, through the Area West Coordination Group is coordinating humanitarian assistance for displaced families.
During early hours of 21 April 2020, two field hospitals in Wadi Al Rabie were damaged by shelling. The attack also resulted in injuries to five medical staff. This brings the number of conflict related attacks  ( direct or indirect )  on health facilities to 11 for this year. The Ministry of Health  ( MoH )  in Tripoli issued a statement on 23 April 2020 confirming the disappearance of four health staff  ( 2 doctors, 1 nurse and 1 administrative support staff )  from the Ibn Sina public hospital in Sirt. Their whereabouts currently remain unknown. Most public and private health facilities, including laboratories in the cities of Sabratha and Surman remain closed, following an escalation in fighting in the vicinity. Limited access and increased insecurity from ongoing fighting is expected to impact COVID 19 response planning.
More than 1,000 Tunisians that were stranded on the Libyan side of the Libyan/Tunisian border for several weeks were transferred from the Ras Jedir border crossing to their respective regions. The first group of nearly 700 people were transferred on Monday  ( 20 April )  followed by a second group of 400 people the following day. All reported undertook preventive COVID 19 medical checks and the Tunisian Red Crescent provided meals.
A recent post distribution monitoring for multi purpose cash programming in March/April for internally displaced people  ( IDPs )  found that all respondents reported increased challenges to meet their food needs. While some respondents reported using savings to cover their needs, 61 per cent reported having to borrow money to purchase basic goods and 10 per cent reported selling household assets or means of transport to cover their needs. Around 18 per cent of respondents reported threats of eviction from their current accommodation, while 70 per cent expressed concerns about the hygiene condition in their accommodation.
Food distribution for 32,700 beneficiaries in the South for April 2020 are still underway due to security and COVID 19 access challenges. Monthly distributions are as well affected by the intensified clashes in Tarhuna and Bani Walid, which is also increasing displacement in and around those areas.  Many areas are reporting food availability problems. In addition, border closures, import restrictions, and movement of food supplies is disrupted in addition to impacts from the ongoing conflicts.
A Maltese arms dealer and four other accomplices have been charged with breaching EU sanctions on Libya, according to Times of Malta newspaper.
Water scarcity, poor irrigation networks, and national electrical power outages are among the main issues experienced by the farmers interviewed. These conditions persist, despite investments made by the government prior to the start of the crisis in 2011 to boost irrigation in the country and the Fezzan region  ( e.g. Great Man Made River Project ) . The damage and destruction of the irrigation systems and equipment  ( pipes, pumps, networks, etc. )  caused by the conflict, combined with increased theft and vandalism, have further exacerbated access to and the functionality of established irrigation systems.
A further 26 new Coronavirus cases were announced in Libya over the last two days, bringing the total to 186. There are a total of 52 recoveries and five deaths.
As of 26 May 2020, the Libyan National Centre for Disease Control  ( NCDC )  reported 75 confirmed cases, including three COVID related deaths, in Libya. A total of 40 people have recovered and 32 remain under observation. A total of 5,154 tests have been performed. Cases are mostly in Tripoli  ( 52 )  and Misrata  ( 10 ) , and Benghazi  ( 4 ) , with other cases reported in Jafara, Zliten, Surman, Yefren and Azzawiya.
The most frequently lost assets include water pumps, electrical cables, generators, agricultural tools and machinery, followed by animals, fruit trees  ( uprooted or burned ) , and agricultural harvest. Farmers reported that most of the stolen larger machinery  ( e.g. tractors )  were sold outside Libya, mainly in Chad and Niger.
Many farmers reported an increase in the use of water from wells because of the unreliable electricity supply from the national grid, the high cost and unavailability of fuel, and losses or damage to water pumps and electrical generators. However, accessing and distributing well water is less effective than using a water pump, according to farmers.
Based on the HH interviews, theft was determined to be the main cause of reported losses since 2011. In the Mantikas of Wadi Ash Shati, Ghat, Sebha and Murzuq, the greatest losses to agricultural assets were due to theft and vandalism. Most of the losses occurred due to poor security, lack of security personnel on affected farms or because of direct assaults by armed groups.
A health worker on Wednesday was killed in a rocket attack by forces loyal to putschist Gen. Khalifa Haftar on a military hospital in the Libyan capital Tripoli.
The Libyan Army carried out three air operations targeting the forces of the putschist Gen. Khalifa Haftar, Lt. Col. Muhammad Kununu, the spokesman for the government's armed forces, said Monday, as he noted that the operations targeting Haftar's forces at the Al Watiyya airbase continue to proceed
Libya's National Centre for Disease Control  ( NCDC )  has urged people to follow its safety instructions and to respect the inter city curfew. Sebha is the new Libya Coronavirus hotspot. The recent Sebha outbreak has forced the country to extend its curfew and border closure at a time when neighbouring Tunisia announced plans to open all its borders in the last half of June.
Wheat and barley are the major cereals grown in the country, together with different types of vegetables  ( tomatoes, onions, melons, etc. ) . Other important crops include dates, citrus, olives, grapes, and almonds. Livestock rearing is also common and during the 1980s it represented the largest income generating activity in agricultural sector2. The Government instituted numerous measures designed to make the country self sufficient in the production of meat, poultry, and dairy products. As a result, the number of sheep, cattle, and poultry slowly increased, while the number of goat and camel herds decreased. However, since the start of the crisis in 2011, the number of livestock also began to decline. Currently there is no reliable information related to livestock farming in terms of its contribution to GDP and the number of herds remaining.
During the month, there was one report  ( less than 1% of all reported access constraints )  on restrictions on, or obstruction of, conflict affected populations' access to services and assistance. There were also seven reports of other access constraints  ( also less than 1% of total access constraints )  that were reported mainly concentrating on the impact that the closure of schools has had on the suspension of certain activities targeting students.
The recent escalation in fighting in Tripoli's suburbs and western Libya, with several western towns changing hands between armed groups affiliated with the internationally recognized Government of National Accord  ( GNA )  and the self styled Libyan National Army  ( LNA )  which is now in de facto control of much of eastern and southern Libya, has sparked an escalation of unlawful retaliatory attacks.
The new Covid 19 cases include three infections in Tripoli, two of them new while one linked to a previous case, as well as six infections recorded in Sabha, including five contact cases and one new one.
Since 1 May, increasing indiscriminate attacks, mostly attributable to LNA affiliated forces, including on Abu Salim, Tajoura, al Hadba al Badri, Zanata and Zawit al Dahmani have caused many civilians casualties, damage to homes and other civilian property. Between 1 and 8 May, at least 15 civilians were reported killed and 50 civilians injured.
Of the HHs interviewed, 39.6 percent reported that they spend at least 50 percent of their monthly income on food, with 43.6 percent of HHs spending up to 75 percent of their income for the same purpose. The data collected through the Multi Sector Needs Assessment  ( MSNA )  report of 2019 indicate that the largest HH expenses of the Fezzan region are, in order of importance: food, rent, cooking and vehicle fuel, and health related expenditures. The same MSNA study shows that the top sources from which HHs typically acquire food are local markets, while the food is mainly purchased – in order of importance – with cash, cheque and cred
For many people, the conflict has destroyed or damaged their homes and many have fled due to the proximity of fighting, impacting living conditions. Coupled with increased demand due to IDP arrivals this has led to shortages in adequate shelter options and associated increases in rental costs. Vulnerable families face difficulties in securing affordable housing, along with those who have lost important legal documents, being at risk of eviction.
With the lock down/curfews being extended or tightened the risk of domestic violence increases, with women and children most at risk. Seventy per cent of surveyed women reported fears of increased violence due to pressures from curfews. There are also concerns about migrants and refugees who remain in detention centres where people are unable to practice social distance given crowded conditions and have insufficient access to sanitation and health facilities.
Tahuna city, the last stronghold of warlord Khalifa Haftar in western Libya, has been liberated, spokesperson Mohammed Gununu declares. Army forces stormed the city from four directions early on Friday and clashed with the infamous militia of Kaniyat. After around one hour of fire exchange, the militia was defeated and the militiamen escaped outside of the city to Bani Walid.
In Tripoli, internally displaced families, refugees and migrants who remain close to the front lines, along with host communities providing them with shelter, remain at significant risk. In conflict affected areas, people face increasing challenges in gaining access to basic essential goods and public services and being able to make a living. The situation for many people caught in conflict areas, as well as across the country, has been exacerbated by the impact of COVID 19 on people's livelihoods and their ability to meet their basic needs and access to health and other assistance.
Migrants and refugees continue to attempt crossing to Europe, many of whom are returned to the country, mainly to detention centres in and around Tripoli. In 2020, there are more than 654,000 migrants and refugees in Libya. They continue to be at risk of unlawful killings, torture, arbitrary detention and unlawful deprivation of liberty, rape and other forms of gender based violence, slavery and forced labour, extortion and exploitation. On 2 July 2019, an airstrike hit the Tajoura Detention Center outside Tripoli, killing at least 53 people and injuring another 130 people.
Food production has also been impacted, particularly in the South, with reported shortages of labour and the ability to access markets due to movement restrictions. This resulted in lower production as well as increased food wastage. This particularly impacts those who rely on agriculture for their livelihoods, such as smallholder farming families and migrants who engage in daily labour. In addition to those in the agriculture sector, many people engaged in the informal sector have also been significantly impacted.
Around 19 per cent  ( 164 reported constraints )  are in relation to COVID19. The majority of reported constraints are in relation to prevention measures imposed by the authorities, particularly curfews and prohibition of movements between cities and regions.
In addition to asset loss, the country's crisis led to the disruption of key agricultural infrastructure in the Fezzan region, including irrigation systems, storage and processing facilities for both crop and animal products. According to the KII and MoA representatives, there currently are no functional agricultural facilities across all Mantikas assessed. Hence, many people complained about the unavailability of facilities to safely store and process agricultural products. This is why most of the crop production requiring processing  ( wheat, barley, olives, etc. )  in the Fezzan region is generally sold and transported to western Libya.2 Attacks by pests such as rodents on stored products, especially cereals, were reported by many farmers. The need for refrigeration to store perishable products, particularly meat, milk and fresh produce, was also mentioned.
While the conflict quickly became protracted and focused mostly in southern parts of Tripoli, from the end of 2019, fighting has increasingly moved into more populated areas, causing further civilian casualties and displacement. Between 1 April 2019 and 31 March 2020, UNSMIL documented at least 685 civilian casualties  ( 356 deaths and 329 injured ) . Nearly 345,000 civilians remain in front line areas with an additional 749,000 people estimated to live in areas affected by the clashes.
As of 28 April 2020, the Libyan National Centre for Disease Control  ( NCDC )  reports 61 confirmed cases, including two COVID related deaths, in Libya. Testing remains low, only 18,00 tests to date. The majority of new confirmed cases are people who have come into contact with confirmed cases, confirming local transmission. Strong prevention measures border closures, restricted movement, closures of schools, restaurants, etc. )  remain in place. As a result, many people's lives and livelihoods are being affected, with low income families and other vulnerable groups particularly impacted.
Additionally, 16 schools have been attacked that affected more than 15,000 students. Prior to the total closure of schools  ( impacting 1.3 million students )  due to COVID 19, many schools had been closed for months due to proximity to fighting. There have also been seven attacks on water infrastructure  ( all part of the Man Made River infrastructure ) . These attacks, together with electricity cuts, regularly affected water supply to 3 to 4 million people.
Despite calls for a truce, conflict continues throughout Libya, impacting civilians and civilian infrastructure. Between 1 January 2020 and 31 March 2020, the UN Support Mission to Libya  ( UNSMIL )  has documented at least 131 civilian casualties  ( 64 deaths and 67 injuries ) . This figure represents an overall increase in civilian casualties of 45 per cent compared to the previous three months.
More than 200,000 people have been displaced since conflict reignited in Libya in April 2019, with Tripoli accounting for around 150,000 of recorded displacement. In late March and early April 2020, around 3,700 people have been forced to flee their homes in Abusliem Municipality, and the neighbourhoods of Salah Al Din and Al Hadba, as well as another 3,100 people near Tarhuna who fled their homes in mid April within 48 hours due to escalated fighting
Many IDPs, migrants and returnees, live in sub standard housing or informal settlements which hinder their ability to adopt social distancing measures and limits their access to functional basic services and essential household necessities. With increasing prices of food and basic commodities many IDPs may struggle to afford higher prices in addition to rent, putting them at higher risk of eviction.
As of 21 April 2020, there has been 11 conflict related incidents recorded this year on field hospitals, health care workers, ambulances and medical supplies, killing five people, injuring 17 others and affecting five health facilities. On 6 April 2020, as a result of heavy shelling in Tripoli, the Al Khadra General Hospital was hit, injuring at least one health worker and damaging the fully functioning 400 bed medical facility. The hospital was one of the potential COVID 19 assigned health facilities. Heavy clashes also saw closures of four hospitals in Sabratha and Surman that were providing an average of 18,000 medical consultations per week.
There have also been two attacks on the Man Made River Project this year, that provides around 60 per cent of the country's fresh water. On 6 April, a water value near Shwerif was shut down by an armed group. As a result, more than 2 million people, including 600,000 children, in the Greater Tripoli area  ( Tripoli, Tahouna, Bani Walid and Gharyan )  were without water for more than a week. These water cuts coincided with power outages that affected many parts of western Libya. Water systemsin Libya have alreadybeen badly damaged as a result of the ongoing conflict. These attacks impact on the country's ability to combat the COVID 19 pandemic.
Much of the conflict is characterized by its indiscriminate nature, with regular violations of international humanitarian and international human rights laws, including attacks on critical public infrastructure and services. There have been 64 conflictrelated incidents recorded on field hospitals, health care workers, ambulances and medical supplies, since April 2019, killing 80 people, injuring 66 others and affecting 24 health facilities.
Other groups, such as people with disabilities struggle to continue to access the necessary health care and other support services. In a recent survey, 49 per cent of respondents reported having a person with a disability in the family. Health services for women were also expected to be more difficult, with 71 per cent of the female respondents expressing concerns regarding their access to healthcare, both due to the reliance on male family members to accompany them and a lack of capacity in health facilities to fight COVID 19 as well as continue to provide other essential services. This includes critical protection related and psychosocial services.
Since the beginning of the year, the number of IDPs in Libya has increased from 356,000 to 374,000 – a five per cent increase. New displacements during the reporting period were primarily due to continued armed conflict in western Libya, floods in Eastern Libya in February 2020 and the intensification in the conflict in the areas of Sirt and Abu Qurayn that resulted in the displacement of over 4,650 individuals to the surrounding areas.
Insecurity, bureaucratic impediments and now COVID 19 restriction measures, continues to hamper humanitarian access and the free movement of medical and other humanitarian personnel, as well as humanitarian assistance in Libya. In March 2020, humanitarian agencies reported 851 access constraints across the country
Of the overall access constraints, 70 per cent relate to bureaucratic impediments, such as ambiguities and delays in registration processes and delays in processing visas and security clearances for international staff. Restrictions of movement of personnel and supplies, and interference in the delivery of relief, constitutes roughly 5 per cent of reported constraints. Around 3 per cent of constraints were due to active fighting and insecurity.
Libya's internal conflict generated serious security issues, which were also mentioned as an important limiting factor to continuing and boosting agricultural production. Road ambush, transport constraints limiting access to markets, theft of materials, assets and equipment, have been reported as the main effects of the poor security situation.
As irrigation systems have also been affected by the crises, most farmers reported on their inoperability due to the damage caused by theft and vandalism, as well as their poor maintenance since the time of their installment. According to farmers, some irrigation schemes and networks could be easily repaired by investing the required financial resources and technical know how. This would guarantee an enormous benefit for the farming population.
During the first three months of 2020, ground fighting was the leading cause of civilian casualties, causing 73 per cent of the total. UNSMIL documented 78 civilian casualties  ( 32 deaths and 46 injuries )  from the use of heavy weapons  ( rockets/artillery/mortars ) , and 18 civilian casualties  ( 12 deaths and six injuries )  from the use of small arms fire.
As of 30 April, 61 confirmed cases of COVID 19 are reported in Libya. Until present, a total of 1949 samples were tested for COVID 19. 3 COVID 19 related mortality cases were registered. Confirmed cases are in Tripoli, Benghazi, Misrata and Surman.
Targeted killings were the second leading recorded cause of civilian casualties with 20 victims  ( 14 deaths and six injuries ) , representing 15 per cent of the total civilian casualties. Airstrikes were the third leading cause of civilian casualties with nine victims  ( six deaths and three injuries ) , followed by improvised explosive device  ( IEDs )  with six injuries.
29 April, Weryemma polyclinic in Tajura municipality was hit as a result of shelling. This polyclinic was fully functional and was providing Essential Reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health services to an average of 60 beneficiaries per day. Health services are suspended.
Ajdabia: The situation with MCH services is of serious concern  ( in Al Morharif rural hospital with reported 25 30 deliveries per day ) . O
In the East, Al Kufra stands out as being highly food insecure with all migrants reporting a daily diet that is insufficient in diversity and nutrients. Around 63 percent of migrants interviewed had poor food consumption levels and 37 percent were classified as borderline.
Between 1 January and 31 March 2020, UNSMIL documented at least 131 civilian casualties  ( 64 deaths and 67 injuries ) . This figure represents an overall increase in civilian casualties of 45 per cent compared to the preceding period in the fourth quarter of 20191 with a 113 per cent increase in deaths and an 11 per cent increase in injuries. The victims include 82 men  ( 43 deaths and 39 injuries ) , 22 women  ( nine deaths and 13 injuries ) , 19 boys  ( seven deaths and 12 injuries ) , and eight girls  ( five deaths and three injuries ) . Ground fighting was the leading cause of civilian casualties, followed by targeted killings, airstrikes, and improvised explosive devices.
Like the fourth quarter of 2019, civilians living in the western part of Libya were most affected. Since the outbreak of conflict on 4 April 2019, fighting between forces affiliated to the LNA and the GNA continued to gain control of areas in the western Libya. UNSMIL documented 117 civilian casualties  ( 53 deaths and 64 injuries )  in western Libya, amounting to 89 per cent of the total. The remaining 11 per cent of the total civilian casualties  ( 11 deaths and three injuries )  occurred in the central part of the country.
Haftar may also have been motivated by a desire to pre empt any possible political negotiation between the House of Representatives and Tripoli – and perhaps sideline the House altogether. Although House Speaker Aghela Saleh and Haftar are allies, the military and Tobruk parliament have not always been perfectly aligned.
UNSMIL continued documenting attacks on schools and healthcare facilities that impede access to education and health services by civilians in Libya. Between 1 January and 31 March 2020, UNSMIL documented nine incidents that impacted education, one of which was attributed to forces affiliated to the LNA and eight others could not be attributed to one specific party to the conflict, as they occured during cross fire between forces affiliated to the LNA and GNA. One improvised explosive device detonated in al Zawiyah, western Libya, injuring three schoolboys. While no casualties were recorded from the indiscriminate shelling  ( rocket/artillery )  that impacted eight schools in western Libya, the attacks spread fear among the students and their families and led to the closure of some schools.
In addition to attacks on schools, UNSMIL documented two incidents targeting healthcare personnel during the first three months of 2020.3 One incident was the arbitrary arrest of a medical official by the LNA in Derna in eastern Libya, while the other incident was the abduction and killing of a doctor in the Ain Zara neighborhood of Tripoli. Although the perpetrator of the second incident remains unknown, the reported location of the incident is under control of forces affiliated to the GNA.
• 20 April, UNSMIL Expresses Grave Concerns over the Deteriorating Humanitarian Situation in Tripoli and its Surroundings, and in Tarhouna • 21 April, two fields hospitals  ( 1 and 2 )  operated by Field Medicine and Support Center  ( FMSC )  in Wadi Al Rabie were shelled. • 17 April, as a result of continuous military activities around Tripoli city, Royal private hospital  ( 40 beds )  located in Trek Al Shok was shelled. Severe damage was sustained  ( Internal department, intensive care unit ) . The building was largely damaged.
28 April, Tarek Al Matar field hospital operated by Field Medicine and Support Center FMSC in Tripoli was hit. The attack caused a material damage to the building used by the medical team of the field hospital and one ambulance was damaged. • 23 April, disappearance of two doctors, one nurse, and one hospital staff over the period of 2 weeks from Sirt hospital. There are allegations that all of them were arrested by one of the armed groups in the area.
The liberation of south Tripoli districts, after 14 months of fighting, saw a full circle once GNA forces entered Thursday morning Wadi Rabea, Souq Al Ahad and Qasir Benghashir, thus eliminating the presence of Haftar's forces from the entire region of Greater Tripoli.
In the West, food insecurity was most acute amongst migrants in urban settings in and around Tripoli region  ( mantika ) , such as in Abusliem municipality, where 85 per cent of interviewed migrants had borderline or poor food consumption levels, Tajoura  ( 39% ) , Ain Zara  ( 29% )  and Hai Alandalus  ( 6% ) . In addition, in Zliten, in the Misrata region, 84 per cent of migrants interviewed had low levels of food consumption.
Due to a lack of food or means to buy food, 65 per cent of migrants surveyed had to resort to a stress, crisis or emergency livelihood coping strategy in the past 30 days. For example, over a third of the migrants interviewed reported having to spend their savings to buy food  ( 34% ) , one in five reported having to work in exchange for food  ( 20% )  and/ or having to reduce their expenditure on essential non food items  ( 19% ) . The other most frequently adopted coping strategies included borrowing money to buy food  ( 15% )  and reducing health or medicine related expenses  ( 7% )
The most common food coping strategies that migrants employed over the week prior to the survey were to consume less preferred and/or less expensive food items  ( on average more than twice a week ) , to limit portion sizes at mealtimes  ( nearly twice a week )  and, most critically and frequently, to reduce the number of meals eaten in a day  ( on average more than once a week ) .
Living in unstable and improper accommodation seems to negatively influence food consumption at the individual level. More than 70 per cent of migrants living in informal settings  ( such as makeshift shelters )  reported having poor levels of food security. In addition, 41 per cent of migrants who live in rented accommodation paid by others reported borderline  ( 32% )  or poor  ( 9% )  food consumption.
• Moreover, of the 148 migrants who do not have access to a kitchen, nearly half  ( 49% )  show borderline or poor consumption levels. Similarly, of the 154 migrants who reported not having access to kitchen utensils, 51 per cent have low levels of food security  ( borderline  ( 23% )  and poor  ( 28% )  ) .
• Migrants' access to health services emerged as a critical constraint for 71 per cent of migrants interviewed in Round 29 of DTM data collection who reported having limited or no access to health services. This is of critical concern, especially in the context of the COVID 19 pandemic.
More than a year after soldiers outside Government control launched a deadly offensive to seize its capital, Libya is still suffering high levels of violence and attacks against civilians for which perpetrators must be held to account, said the International Criminal Court's senior prosecutor in a 5 May videoconference meeting* of the Security Council.
On 6 May, houses were shelled in Abu Salim neighborhood of Tripoli with at least one person reportedly killed and 27 individuals injured, including four children and five women. On the same day, rockets hit several homes in Tajoura and resulted in the reported killing of three individuals and injuring 10 others, including three children. On 5 May, shelling of houses in al Hadba neighborhood of Tripoli killed two civilians and injured three others, including a child.
Most official points of entry along land borders are closed for entry and exit of passengers, including Ras Ajdir land border crossing which is currently closed after over 1,300 Tunisian migrants were previously allowed to re enter Tunisia in the second half of April. The Emsaed land border crossing with Egypt is open for Libyans to return home while Egyptian migrants are also allowed to return  ( in groups )  to Egypt. Since DTM Libya's last mobility restrictions update on 23 April, over 850 Libyans reportedly returned through Emsaeed.
Hostilities over the past year resulted in the new displacement of at least 201,168 individuals since April 2019 as the number of IDPs in Libya increased from 172,541 prior in Round 24 to 373,709 IDPs in Round 29. Displacement was not only observed from Tripoli and surrounding areas  ( 149,315 IDPs ) , but also from Murzuq in Southern Libya  ( 29,666 new IDPs ) , other conflict affected areas in Western Libya such as Abu Gurayn & Sirt  ( 4,650 new IDPs ) , as well as other locations. IDP families displaced to locations close to areas of conflict remain at risk, along with host community members providing them with shelter
Immediate needs include support to rapid response teams, procurement of personal protective equipment  ( PPE ) , establishment of labs and procurement of lab diagnostic kits and supplies, establishment and support to isolation sites and wards  ( within or outside public hospitals ) , provision of training, health education and awareness materials.  Up to 90 per cent of public health care services in some areas are closed or under resourced.
Recently surveyed refugees and migrants are reporting cash as their primary need.  With attention focused on COVID 19, normal health care services, such as reproductive health, remains limited.  Women heavily impacted by decreased access to livelihoods and increased risk of domestic violence.  Traditionally vulnerable groups are being impacted by loss of revenue stream and their livelihoods as prices for basic food and non food items increases, widening socio economic vulnerabilities and inequalities.
The internationally recognized Libyan government, based in Tripoli, yesterday extended the current curfew for another 10 days – until 28 May. The curfew will continue during Ramadan from 6pm until 6 am the next morning.
The spokesman for the Libyan Army Mohammed Gununu confirmed the advances of GNA forces on different frontlines in southern Tripoli, saying Haftar's forces had retreated from several fighting axes as GNA forces advanced on them, especially Mashroa Al Hadba, Salah Al Deen and Ain Zara frontlines.
The economic impact of the conflict coupled with the COVID 19 pandemic may cause the country's GDP to contract by more than 12 percent in 2020. The LNA's blockade of oil terminals since January 2020 has further deepened the economic crisis. Oil production has plunged to around 120,000 barrels per day from 1.14 million in December 2019. This has resulted in financial losses of approximately $2 billion per month for the state owned enterprise.
The latest terrorist attacks on innocent lives carried out by the groups  ( understood to mean the Khalifa Hafter forces )  attacking the capital Tripoli targeted the residence of displaced persons in the municipality of Ain Zara in Tripoli Saturday  ( 16 May ) . The ministry said the attacks killed 7 displaced families in the municipality, including children, women and a member of the civil defence force.
In the afternoon of 16 May, the Libyan National Ary  ( LNA ) , reportedly launched artillery shelling and Grad rockets towards the former Tripoli University Female's dormitory in al Firnaj district.
Since eraly 2020, the dormitory has been in use as a collective shelter for IDPs from south Tripoli. At least 6 IDPs have reportedly been killed and 20 others injured in this attack.
Children in hard toreach and conflict affected areas are at particular risk because they may have already missed some vaccination doses.
For the past two months, access to routine immunization services has been disrupted as a result of the COVID 19 lockdown, leading to an increased risk of a resurgence of measles and polio outbreaks. There are acute shortages of hexavalent vaccine, which protects against six diseases  ( diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis, haemophilus influenzae type b and viral hepatitis B ) . Similarly, oral polio vaccine, which is administered at birth and at nine months of age, is in critically short supply
Environmental constraints limit the development of agriculture in the country. About 1.8 million hectares  ( out of 15.4 million )  are arable, out of which 300 000 hectares are covered by permanent crops, mostly fruit and olive trees. The area suitable for irrigation is about 470 000 hectares, but only some 240 000 hectares are currently irrigated due to concerns over the depletion of underground water. Cereals are cultivated in the coastal regions, where rainfed production or cropping with supplementary irrigation is possible, and in the arid southern areas under full irrigation. The most commonly grown vegetables are tomatoes, peppers, onions and leafy greens.
According to the Libya Joint Market Monitoring Initiative, in the first week of April 2020  ( latest information available ) , the cost of the Minimum Expenditure Basket  ( MEB )  increased on average by almost 30 percent, driven mostly by increases in cooking fuel. The largest price increases were reported in the south where Liquefied Petroleum Gas  ( LPG )  cylinders are available only on the parallel market. Some markets reported shortages of food supplies, such as eggs, vegetables and wheat products. The median price for wheat flour increased by 50 percent. The Ministry of Economy has indicated that the country has sufficient stocks of wheat flour for three months.
One sample tested positive and 240 others tested negative, the National Center for Disease Control said, adding that its Tripoli Reference Laboratory received 180 samples, while Misrata's lab received two and Benghazi's received 59.
Libya has now 35 recovered Coronavirus cases, three deaths and 31 active cases, thus totalling 69 cases since the start of the pandemic.
While movement restrictions and other prevention measures to curb the spread of COVID 19 remain in place, 93 per cent of surveyed IDP families in eastern Libya indicated that their access to markets and stores has not been significantly impacted. However, recent increases in confirmed COVID 19 cases in many parts of Libya is of concern for many vulnerable populations on the move
In Derna, a decrease in incoming migration flows from Egypt and Sudan was reported in the month of March in fear of the spread of Covid 19 in the area.
In the past 48 hours alone, while Maltese authorities rescued 112 migrants, over 400 men, women, and children have been returned to Tripoli by the Libyan coast guard. Most were taken to detention in a facility under the authority of the Ministry of Interior. At least 600 migrants returned from the sea to this facility have been reported missing since January. IOM is very concerned about the safety of people detained there and have received no response from the Libyan authorities who were asked to clarify the fate of those reported missing.
Gununu said that the Libyan Army forces were chasing away fleeing Haftar's forces who were barricaded inside Tripoli International Airport as they advance on Qasir Benghashir onwards since Haftar's forces left their positions in Qasir Benghashir, Sabea and Souq Al Khamis, fleeing to Tarhouna and Bani Walid.
• The main reasons given by service provider KIs were that facilities only have very limited opening hours  ( 4/6 )    which was not reported in the previous round   and that curfew and movement restrictions make it difficult to reach the needed healthcare facilities  ( 3/6 ) . Two CSO workers also reported that facilities are very busy, resulting in long queues.
Notably, all three healthcare worker KIs interviewed in this round elaborated on this point to report a shortage of medical staff. Two expanded further to say that this was due to concerns among staff about the spread of the disease and the lack of necessary protective equipment.
The provision of food commodities was selected by almost all community representative KIs  ( 15/16 )  as a main priority for assistance. This was followed by health commodities  ( such as drugs or medicines )   ( 13/16 )  and support with rent or housing  ( 12/16 ) . This last point was noted by all Libyan IDP and all MENA community representative KIs.
Having captured Tarhuna and Urban, the Volcano of Rage Operation also declared total control of the city of Bani Walid, along with its Airport, previously used by Haftar's militias for the transportation of weapons and mercenaries.The control of Bani Walid and Urban was carried out without any resistance, after Haftar militias fled, following the liberation of Tarhuna, putting up no resistance as they ran.
During the reporting period, hostilities in and around Tripoli have increased, despite the agreed upon truce, and have reached near pre truce levels. As of 9 January 2020, more than 149,000 people have been forced to leave their home since the beginning of the conflict in April 2019. Clashes continued to be reported in densely populated areas, particularly in South Tripoli. Internally displaced families who remain close to areas of conflict, along with host communities providing them with shelter, migrants and refugees in urban communities or in detention centres remain at significant risk. Around 749,000 people are estimated to be in areas affected by clashes, including almost 345,000 people who remain in frontline areas.
The Libyan Army announced on Friday, the total liberation of the town of Urban, some 80 km south of Tripoli, shortly after the liberation of the city of Tarhuna, which was a stronghold for Haftar's militias in the west.
Many migrants and refugees continue to risk the crossing to Europe. Since January, around 2,670 people were intercepted/rescued at sea and returned to Libya, most to detention.
Migrants who are unemployed or rely on daily casual labour, those who have been in Libya less than a year and those living in urban centres in Western Libya and along the main migratory routes are more likely to suffer from high levels of inadequate food consumption.
Overall, a slight decrease in the number of migrants present in Misrata was reported during the reporting period from 57.630 migrants in Round 29 to 56.947 migrants in the present rou
Sharing a video message on social media, Ahmed al Mismari, the spokesman for Haftar's forces, demanded a share in the revenue earned from oil production.
The vast majority of migrants  ( 81% )  departing from Algeria entered Libya directly. Their average cost of journey was estimated at 626 UD dollars
The Libyan Army under the command of the Government of National Accord  ( GNA )  has seized full control of Tripoli International Airport after heavy clashes since Wednesday morning, spokesman Mohammed Gununu announced.
Libya's National Centre for Disease Control  ( NCDC )  announced a total of 55 new cases over the last three days to bring the country's total to 239. There are still 52 recoveries and 5 deaths. The cases are spread across several western cities but are mostly concentrated in the relatively new outbreak in the south. A ban on travel between cities is still in place.
Heavy shelling around Mitiga Airport continues to disrupt its operation and has resulted in civilian casualties and damage to homes in surrounding neighbourhoods. Schools and hospitals have been damaged or closed also as a result. As of March 2020, a total of 27 health facilities have been damaged to varying degrees due to proximity of clashes, including 14 health facilities that have been closed and another 23 which are at risk of closure due to shifting lines of conflict. Around 4 March 2020, ten schools in Ain Zara and all schools in Misrata that were closed for more than a month have reopened, allowing 127,000 students to go back to school. On 8 March, eight schools were reported closed in the proximity of Mitiga airport due to the risks posed by shelling in the area. However, on 15 March 2020, as preventative measure for the outbreak of COVID 19, all schools in the country were closed starting for two weeks.
In conflict affected areas, people increasingly face challenges to access basic essential goods and public services and their ability to go to work and earn livelihoods. A subsequent protection risk due to the combination of economic instability and displacement is the risk of eviction, both for displaced families and host communities in areas of displacement. In response to the Tripoli crisis and fighting near Sirt and Abu Qurayn more than 24,000 IDPs have been reached with humanitarian assistance during the reporting period
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. As such, prevention and preparedness measures are rapidly being put in place to both address and mitigate against the disease. On 14 March 2020 the Chairman of the Presidential Council of Libya and Prime Minister of the Government of National Accord  ( GNA )  announced a state of emergency in Libya. This included the closure of all air, ground and maritime Libyan borders three weeks  ( with potential extension ) , prayers in mosques to be cancelled, schools and universities to be closed for two weeks and public gatherings limited. The announcement also included the allocation of 500 million LYD for COVID 19 preparedness and response.
Other challenges were also reported, including the lack of liquidity to maintain crop production, the shortage or high price of fuel and limited, non functional or non existing processing facilities.
The Ministry of the Interior announced on Wednesday the death of 25 members of its demining team, within a two week period since the start of clearing mines and IEDs, laid by Haftar's militias in Southern Tripoli.
Families from Sirt and Abu Qurayn areas have also fled fighting following clashes since January. Since mid February 2020, an additional 372 families  ( 1,860 individuals )  have been internally displaced due to the volatile security situation in the area. This brings the total to at least 930 families  ( 4,650 individuals )  that are reported to have fled their homes to neighbouring areas.
The lack of cash continues to heavily impact the most vulnerable and hampers their ability to cover their basic needs.
Across Libya, the protracted crisis continues to pose grave risks for both Libyans and non Libyans. More than 356,000 people remained displaced throughout Libya and nearly 448,000 previously displaced people have returned to their places of origin. In 2020, it is estimated that around 893,000 people are in need of humanitarian assistance due to conflict, insecurity and political and economic instability.
The parallel government controlling eastern Libya will impose a curfew from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., excluding security and emergency personnel, to stop any spread of the coronavirus, its interior ministry said in a statement on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the mayor of Tajoura in western Libya, just few kilometers away from Tripoli, announced curfew in the municipality from 5 p.m. to 6 a.m. wihtout consulting with the Interior Ministry of the Government of National Accord.
Turkey has been supporting the internationally recognized government, while Russia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates have supported the warlord general Haftar's campaign. Turkey has repeatedly said Haftar must choose a political solution to the conflict and urged foreign powers to press the putschist general into a truce. It has also sent military advisers and trainers to help the legitimate government fend off Haftar's assault on Tripoli.
Up to 90 per cent of public health care services in some areas are closed or under resourced.
KIs from areas surrounding Airport Road and al Mashrou al Hadba also noted that there is an almost complete absence of basic services, such as electricity and water, in the area, and that many homes were damaged during the fighting and have now been looted   indicating that there might be little for them to return to
The head of Libya's U.N. recognized government said he won't resume negotiations with putschist Gen. Khalifa Haftar, accusing him of exploiting the COVID 19 pandemic to launch a new offensive against the government.
In Tarhuna and in Sirt, there has been reports of looting and other serious violations. This included reports of looting of the Tarhuna General Hospital, with the majority of staff reportedly fleeing. Along with ongoing insecurity, this presents a significant risk to the safety and security of those people that have remained. Despite this, there are reports that some families that had previously fled have been returning in order to check on their homes.
This blockade came at a time of growing conflict and humanitarian crisis in the country, amidst the persistent violent clashes throughout Western Libya which have led to greater civilian casualties and hindered efforts to counter the spread of the COVID 19 pandemic
Thousands of Syrian men, including boys under 18 years, have reportedly been sent to Libya via Turkey in recent months. “We are concerned that these children come from an extremely vulnerable social and economic situation and are being exploited for the purpose of recruitment as mercenaries,' he added.
Although strong preventive measures  ( border closures, restricted movement, closures of schools, cafés, restaurants, etc. )  have been taken, inter community transmission is likely and has the potential to significantly impact on Libyans, migrants and refugees, many of whom are already vulnerable due to growing levels of insecurity, political fragmentation and weak governance that have led to a deterioration of basic service delivery, particularly in the health system.
Meanwhile, the Tripoli based Libyan government extended the curfew for another 10 days from today until 17 July – confounding expectations that it was going to abandon it. It also kept in place the 24 hour curfew over the weekend and the ban on movement between cities.