A Child Friendly Space in the Municipality of Janzou
By: UNICEF
Source: UNICEF
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UNITED NATIONS – United Nations children agency UNICEF warned this week that more than half a million children in Libya need help and called on warring parties to end the violence and negotiate a political solution to the crisis.
Libya has spiraled into turmoil after a civil war ousted longtime leader Moammar Gadhafi in 2011. Rival brigades of former rebels backed by competing political factions have turned against each other in a fight for control.
A U.N.-backed government in Tripoli is trying to extend its influence, though it is facing resistance from armed rivals.
UNICEF Regional Director Geert Cappelaere said that 550,000 children need assistance because of the political instability, on-going conflict, displacement, and economic collapse.
“The well-being of girls and boys in Libya should be a priority for authorities, civil society and the international community,” Cappelaere said in a statement after visiting the country.
