Question to the Department for International Development:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what recent assessment he has made of the humanitarian situation in Libya since the upsurge in violence in that country resulting in the displacement of civilians.

The UK remains deeply concerned by the ongoing conflict in Libya and the worsening humanitarian situation. The fighting around Tripoli has claimed over 1,000 lives and led to over 120,000 displaced, with concerning reports of airstrikes in civilian areas and increasing attacks on civilian infrastructure. It is vital that all sides engage in a durable ceasefire, ensure humanitarian access, and return to UN-led political talks. The UK is calling on all parties to engage with the UN and humanitarian community, and respect International Humanitarian Law. Aid must be allowed to reach those in need and civilians, including refugees and migrants, must be evacuated to safety.

The UK funds a £3.29 million humanitarian programme to provide multi-sector humanitarian assistance to vulnerable people in Libya, improve access to primary health care, build capacity of health care workers, and bolster humanitarian coordination and capability. Earlier this year £1 million was given to the UN Flash Appeal. Funding to the World Health Organisation will deliver lifesaving medical care, including surgery in frontline referral hospitals, and primary healthcare supplies for 150,000 patients. Funding to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs will provide an expert to negotiate improved humanitarian access for agencies delivering aid on-the-ground.