Some three weeks after the Libyan displacement crisis erupted in
mid-February, thousands of people were still stuck at the border
between Libya and Egypt waiting for onward travel to their home
countries. Many have arrived exhausted at the Sallum crossing after
travelling for days without adequate food or water. Some told
harrowing tales of armed men going door to door at night, forcing
people from sub-Saharan Africa to leave after destroying their
identity papers and taking their money.
More long-haul flights to Bangladesh and other Asian
destinations are needed to decongest the border, although people
from countries like Eritrea and Somalia cannot go home. As a
result, many people have been stuck at the border for days,
sleeping outside in the cold. UNHCR has provided blankets, plastic
mats, food and water for those waiting to be repatriated.
More than 100,000 people have arrived at the Sallum border since
the start of the Libyan uprising. The majority have been migrant
workers from Egypt who were allowed through immigration and customs
quickly, but many nationalities have also turned up at the border
and having to wait.
