LOC22:50
19:50 GMT
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)
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