Libya Has No Confirmed COVID-19 Cases Among Refugees, Asylum Seekers - UNHCR
Fahad Shabbir (@FahadShabbir) Published May 29, 2020 | 02:37 PM
Libyan health authorities have so far not reported any cases of the coronavirus infection among refugees or asylum seekers, Caroline Gluck, a spokesperson for the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in Libya, told Sputnik
MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 29th May, 2020) Libyan health authorities have so far not reported any cases of the coronavirus infection among refugees or asylum seekers, Caroline Gluck, a spokesperson for the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in Libya, told Sputnik.
"Libya currently has no reported cases or suspected cases of refugees or asylum seekers being infected with COVID-19," Gluck said.
The spokeswoman added that the UNHCR continues to "regard the spread of Coronavirus with great concern," as it considers Libya to be among the high-risk countries in the region due to its fragile public health institutions and ongoing conflict.
Gluck pointed to the fact that Libya's health care system "was already overstretched and underresourced before the pandemic," which resulted in the pandemic catching the war-torn country at a time when many hospitals and medical facilities are shut down due to the military action.
Since the onset of Libya's political disarray in 2011, the oil-rich country got practically split into a duopoly. The internationally-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) of Fayez Sarraj has established itself as the power pole in the country's west with the center in Tripoli, while the rival Libyan National Army (LNA), led by Khalifa Haftar, took control over the east with the center in Tobruk.
Following a failed offensive on Tripoli last year, the LNA forces attempted a rematch and the GNA launched a counteroffensive this past April. Despite numerous calls from international actors upon the warring parties to cease fire during the pandemic, armed confrontation has continued.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Robinson, bowlers help New Zealand go 2-1 up against Pakistan
Shahzeb Chachar to hold khuli kachehri on April 26
Heatwave amid Israel's aggression in Gaza brings new misery, disease risk
Tourism must change, mayor says as Venice launches entry fee
Court adjourns Judicial Complex attack case till May 17
Nasreen Noori’s book ‘Popatan Jahra Khwab’ launched
Wafaqi Mohtasib inspection team visits Excise and taxation office
AJLAC announces 5th Conference titled ‘People’s Mandate: Safeguarding Civil ..
Pak-US officials engage to enhance trade, investment ties
IBCC to promote educational excellence, expand regional presence
Pakistani 'Blue Helmets' serving UN Peacekeeping Mission in DR Congo set to leav ..
Putin says plans to visit China in May
More Stories From World
-
Slot 'confident' of Liverpool job as 'negotiations' take place
30 minutes ago -
Google parent Alphabet's Q1 profits beat estimates: company
40 minutes ago -
WADA asks 'independent prosecutor' to examine Chinese swimmers case
50 minutes ago -
New York court overturns Harvey Weinstein sex crime conviction
1 hour ago -
Bagnaia and Spanish rivals chase victory at Jerez
3 hours ago -
Russian, Ukrainian strikes kill at least 10 in frontline regions
3 hours ago
-
Heatwave amid Israel's aggression in Gaza brings new misery, disease risk
3 hours ago -
Tourism must change, mayor says as Venice launches entry fee
3 hours ago -
Pakistani 'Blue Helmets' serving UN Peacekeeping Mission in DR Congo set to leave after 20 years of ..
4 hours ago -
Putin says plans to visit China in May
4 hours ago -
US reinstates open internet rules rescinded under Trump
4 hours ago -
Honda announces US$11 bn EV battery and vehicle plant in Canada
4 hours ago