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UNHCR to set up temporary camp for new arrivals from Libya to Tunisia

GENEVA, Feb 23 (KUNA) -- The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) said on Wednesday that it will work closely with the authorities in Tunisia to enable to set up a temporary camp for new arrivals from Libya. The Ministry of Defence in Tunis has identified a location for the establishment of this camp in the event of a large influx of people.
In addition, a UNHCR flight carrying tents and other relief items for up to 10,000 people is expected to arrive in Tunisia this weekend. "Given the continued reports of violence and human rights abuses inside Libya it is imperative that people fleeing the country are able to reach safety", said the UNHCR in a press release.
"Following a request from the Tunisian Government, UNHCR staff have deployed to the Ras Adjir border crossing with Libya where they are working alongside the Tunisian Red Crescent and government authorities." said the UNHCR.
"They will be monitoring the situation and identifying vulnerable individuals for whom immediate assistance is needed - such as children without parents, women with children, and the elderly. A further UNHCR team is being flown in today." The UNHCR staff at the Tunisia-Libya border has reported a steady flow of people since yesterday. "Most of the arrivals are Tunisian nationals who have been working in Libya. Among others have been Libyans, Turks, Moroccans, and nationals of Middle Eastern and West African countries," said the UNHCR. At present, people are staying in local hostels, shelters and with local families. At the same time the UNHCR welcomed the positive indications it has received yesterday and today from Tunisia and Egypt that they will maintain open borders for people fleeing violence in Libya. (end) ta.gb KUNA 232250 Feb 11NNNN