Tunisia sets up emergency plan to receive displaced people from Libya
Tunis, Tunisia (PANA) - The Tunisian authorities, in coordination with international organizations working in the area of assistance to migrants and refugees, have put in place an emergency plan to receive displaced people to Tunisia, in case the situation deteriorates further in Libya, Mongi Slim, head of the Tunisian Red Crescent regional body in Medenine, southern Tunisia, said on Monday.
According to Mr. Slim, the situation is currently normal, with the pace of displaced people from Libya remaining stable at the border crossings between the two countries.
He said in a statement to the press that in the event of an increase in the number of refugees, an emergency plan will be put in place in coordination with the Tunisian ministries of defence, interior, health and social affairs.
The Tunisian Red Crescent and international specialized organizations including the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) will also be involved.
The plan includes several scenarios related to accommodation, health, food and child protection, Mr. Slim added, saying that if the situation required the establishment of a camp, it would be set up in Tataouine, far from the fighting in Libya.
He added that the Tunisian armed and security forces are on alert and ready for any eventuality along the 420 km desert border with Libya.
Cars passing through border crossing points daily to Tunisia are estimated to be between 600 and 700.
On the other hand, vehicles heading in the opposite direction to Libya are down and are limited to trucks loaded with Tunisian goods and industrial products.
-0- PANA YY/IN/JSG/BBA/MA 7Jan2020
