Since the beginning of 2024, the number of Sudanese refugees seeking safety in Libya has doubled, with an estimated 400 arrivals in the country daily, according to the UNHCR.

The crisis in Sudan has caused large-scale displacement across the region, with 8.4 million people displaced internally in Sudan and well over 3 million Sudanese refugees seeking help in neighbouring countries -- including an estimated 210,000 in Libya.

UNHCR in Alfkufra: Harsh conditions made worse by war

The main entry point from Sudan to Libya is in Alkufra in the far south of Libya -- a remote region of the country which is known for its particularly harsh conditions.

Food prices in Alkufra are almost 20 percent higher than the national average due to disrupted supply chains, rising demand, and fuel shortages -- all of which have been negatively impacted by the ongoing war in Sudan.

The increased cost of living adds to the challenges Sudanese refugees face upon arrival, with many refugees struggling to survive in substandard living conditions.

This includes strengthening access to healthcare, improving living conditions by distributing relief supplies, and increasing access to documentation provided by local authorities to allow refugees from Sudan to move freely while having their protection assessed.

UNHCR provides life-saving assistance to refugees as well as to the local authorities and host communities around Alkufra.

The UN Refugee Agency has scaled up its response to address the rapidly growing needs of those newly arriving in Libya. Some 60,000 refugees have received critical relief items including mattresses, blankets, kitchen sets, solar lamps, and personal hygiene kits in recent weeks.

Additionally, UNHCR supports 16 clinics across Libya, including in Alkufra but also in the major metropolitan areas of Benghazi and Tripoli with critical medical supplies.

Much more help needed

But urgent more assistance is still needed; the UNHCR says that relief goods like blankets, warm clothing, and reinforced shelter materials to help refugees endure the winter period are among the top necessities at present. With more refugees arriving every day from Sudan, existing resources are overstretched.

"Besides the commitment by the Libyan authorities and communities to support Sudanese fleeing conflict, additional support from the international community is needed to strengthen access to food, clean water, health and education," said Aseer Al-Madaien, UNHCR Chief of Mission in Libya.

UNHCR calls on the international community to extend critical support to Libya's humanitarian efforts to assist Sudanese refugees.

"Refugees in Libya have endured immense hardship on their journey here," said Al-Madaien. "As we enter a new year, we must act swiftly to prevent further suffering and protect lives."