Save the Children’s Protection Programs for Libya on High Alert

A young child stands outside the tent where his family are staying in a refugee camp near the border of Tunisia. Photo credit: Paulo Siqueira/ Save the Children

Save the Children’s teams in and around Libya have been responding to humanitarian needs since the uprising began in February. In Tripoli and throughout the embattled nation, the turmoil has taken a toll on young children.

In camps for families displaced by the violence, children struggle with nightmares and distress. In response, Save the Children has set up Child Friendly Spaces (CFS) to give children with a safe place to play, learn and overcome tragedy. These protective environments are where children can gather to play and talk about their experiences with caring professionals and each other, allowing them to overcome chaotic and tragic situations.

One of the children that attends the CFS is 7-year-old Adil. His family grew concerned when he vividly and repeatedly described scenes he had witnessed from the conflict. With creative outlets for his feelings in the form of play and art, Adil's father says that he is gradually coming to terms with what happened. "Since the CFS has been running, the children in the camp have been sleeping better at night." As he spoke, Adilwas playing football with some friends nearby. 

Relief workers have been on the ground in Libya and Tunisia, helping conflict-affected children in and around Benghazi, the border area in Tunisia and, since September, Tripoli. In Lampedusa, Italy, we continue to work with children who fled Libya to escapte the violence.

Save the Children remains extremely concerned for children and families affected by the war in Libya, especially those based in Sirte and Bani Walid. We strongly condemn any attacks that put the safety of civilians, especially children, at risk, including the use of high explosive weapons or indiscriminate attacks in populated areas – the physical safety of children must be a priority for all parties.

As the crisis continues and families rebuild their lives, Save the Children is also supporting education, vaccinations and other essential programs and services. 

Donate now to the Libya Children in Crisis Fund to support Save the Children's relief efforts and responses to children's ongoing and urgent needs.

You can also help make a difference by supporting all the work that Save the Children does to help children in need in the U.S. and around the world. Donate Now to Support our Mission

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