Australians supporting the UN Refugee Agency

Our Stories
Libya Emergency thumbnail

High Commissioner's Libya Appeal

Play video

ERT when disaster strikes

When disaster strikes, UNHCR is there, on the ground, saving lives within 72 hours. Help us be there every time.



Subscribe toour eNewsletter

 
Subscribe

Stories From The Field

Astrid Van Genderen Stort, UNHCR ERT, Libya

Astrid Van Genderen Stort, UNHCR ERT, Libya

Experienced UNHCR staff member Astrid Van Genderen Stort recently completed a three week emergency mission on the Egyptian border where over 5,000 people were stranded, having fled the growing conflict in Libya.

What were conditions like on the ground when you arrived?

It was incredibly cold and sandy. People were exposed to freezing desert winds, sand storms, even rain at times and had to sleep outside with hardly any possibility to take showers or use latrines. It was miserable and inhumane.

What did you do to improve these conditions?

We gave out blankets, plastic sheeting, mats, sanitary material, hygiene kits and milk for the children and coordinated food distribution. We managed to create better conditions for the most vulnerable ones, women, children and for refugees who could not return home like other migrants. We tried our best for all but it was not easy.

What constraints did you face?

It was a logistical nightmare. Following the revolution earlier this year in Egypt, it became more difficult as our usual counterparts had changed or were not in a position to take decisions anymore. It took us over 10 days to get authorization to bring in 20 portable latrines!

Were people able to be evacuated quickly?

It was quick for Egyptians and Tunisians, they could just cross into Egypt after passport control. Most migrant workers also knew they would leave at some point with the help of the international community, although for some it still took weeks like the Bangladeshis and Chadians. It was most difficult for those people of concern to UNHCR like Somalis, Eritreans, Ethiopians and Palestinians for whom there was no short-term solution. We were also worried that many more people would people would start arriving as the fighting inside Libya moved east and pro Gaddafi troops threatened to attack Benghazi. We tried to help the Egyptian authorities prepare for this.

What were the main reasons for people crossing into Egypt?

The migrant workers, in particular African migrants, left mostly out of fear and harassment. Most mercenaries supporting Gaddafhi were coming from African countries so migrant workers were suddenly perceived as mercenaries. They were being attacked right from the start of the crisis. Some had been arrested and had their documents and possessions burnt or stolen. There were a few harrowing stories of women who had been raped. This might have been done by opportunist criminals making use of the chaotic situation.

Were Libyans also crossing?

Yes, when the Gaddafi troops moved east, we started to see more Libyans coming in. Initially, most were still hopeful that the revolution would be peaceful but later on they got increasingly worried.

When towns like Ajdabya were attacked, we saw families crossing who had been hiding for days while houses were bombed around them. We also saw more and more wounded people cross the border. They said the hospitals inside Libya were overcrowded and they were coming to Egypt to get proper care.

All together, would you say it was a rewarding mission?

On one hand, it was very frustrating because people were living in inhumane conditions but, on the other hand, it was fulfilling because in our little way, we made a difference. It was really hard to leave, knowing the situation was ongoing. The only reason why I did not stay is my 2 year old daughter who was waiting for me at home.

How important is donor support to this operation?

The help of donors is incredibly important. Whatever we do, we need funding for it. When we give blankets to keep people warm, it is with the money from the donors. It is thanks to the great support we received during this crisis that we managed to do so much to decongest the border. If people had not been quickly evacuated, the situation could have been much worse. In any emergency, whether it is Libya or Côte d'Ivoire where people are suffering so much, it is very important that donors react quickly.