IOM: About 50% of displaced persons from Tripoli’s conflict are children

“DTM identified an additional 685 displaced families (approximately 3,425 individuals) since the previous report, bringing the total number of internally displaced persons to at least 18,785 families (approximately 93,925 individuals) who have been forced to leave their homes due to armed conflict since the start of hostilities on 04 April 2019.” IOM’s program explained.

It added that during the previous two weeks, clashes and airstrikes reportedly continued in the areas of Qasr Benghashir, Khallat al Furjan, Al-Hira, Swani, Ain Zara, Al Aziziya, and south of Tajoura.

“While most IDP families are staying in private accommodation, over 3,900 IDPs are currently hosted in collective shelters. The majority of displaced households were identified in different neighborhoods of Tripoli, the Nafusa mountains and various locations along the coastal line of Western Libya.” It added.

IOM also indicated that IDP families displaced to locations close to areas of conflict remain at risk, along with host community members providing them with shelter.

“Furthermore, over 3,685 migrants remain in detention centers in Tripoli and nearby areas and are also considered to be at high risk of being affected by the conflict.” It said.

IOM explained that based on rapid profiling of over 1,100 IDP families, 51% of displaced individuals are estimated to be female and 49% male.

Moreover, over 48% of IDPs were estimated to be children under the age of 18.