The situation in Libya has become not just a political crisis, but a potential humanitarian crisis as well. Foreign workers and frightened Libyans are pouring to the borders to escape the turmoil, and international aid agencies are gearing up resources to cope with needs for food, shelter and clothing.
Staff from the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported February 28 from the Tunisian border that 14,000 people poured out of Libya, and a comparable number are expected to attempt the crossing March 1.
"We can see acres of people waiting to cross the border," according to a UNHCR news release quoting Ayman Gharaibeh, the agency's team leader on the border. "Many have been waiting for three to four days in the freezing cold, with no shelter or food."
Since February 20, an estimated 70,000 to 75,000 people have fled the unrest in Libya, according to Tunisian officials. They remain stranded at the border, lacking transport to go elsewhere. UNHCR said finding the means to transport people elsewhere has become "critically important."
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