IFRC - International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Published purpose

25 March, 2011 - A popular uprising against the four-decade long rule of Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi began on February 16th, 2011. Conflict between pro- and anti- government forces has resulted in instability. Hundreds of thousands of affected populations have crossed the borders into neighbouring countries (Egypt and Tunisia) and become stranded at transit stations. Affected populations, both inside and outside of Libya, are in need of food, water, sanitation, and medical attention. With CIDA support, the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) is supporting local Tunisian and Egyptian Red Crescent Societies that are providing immediate assistance (food, water, basic non-food items, shelter, and emergency medical support) to people who have been displaced by the unrest in Libya. In Tunisia, the Tunisian Red Crescent Society has been working to provide medical and psychological support for those crossing the Libyan border. The National Society has mobilised blood donation services in order to reinforce the team already on the Tunisian-Libyan border. The Egyptian Red Crescent Society (ERCS) has sent twenty volunteers to the border to support people arriving from Libya. ERCS volunteers are providing first aid, food, basic health care and shelter.