A UN report estimated the number of Sudanese refugees who have arrived in Libya since April 2023 at approximately 559,920, including 91,494 refugees registered with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) at the registration center in Tripoli. The report, released by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs on Monday, revealed that tighter border controls by Libyan authorities have forced refugees to take longer routes to enter Libya, while the number of arrivals via Chad has dropped to an average of 70 refugees per day.

It noted the difficulty of determining an accurate number of Sudanese refugees in Libya “due to the nature of irregular entry, the irregular data shared by authorities, the vast and remote land borders with Chad, Egypt, and Sudan, as well as the movement of refugees toward coastal cities.”

Difficulty Accessing Healthcare

The report explained that Sudanese refugees continue to face significant difficulties in accessing public healthcare “due to a lack of official documentation, limited financial resources to cover tuition fees at the same rates as foreigners, and limited hospital capacity,” At the same time, instability, along with the risk of displacement and homelessness, remains a source of grave concern, as the majority of them show signs of psychological distress.

Regarding attempts at illegal migration to Europe, the UN office recorded 18 rescue operations for migrant boats across Libya during March, including ten in the east and eight in the west, accompanied by intensified security campaigns in multiple locations in the east.

It continued: “These developments have exacerbated the risks faced by migrants, including an increased likelihood of arbitrary detention and forced return, as well as the risk of gender-based violence and exploitation, further increasing the vulnerability of the most at-risk groups, particularly women, children, and persons with disabilities.”