The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported that Libya has received about 559,920 Sudanese refugees since the outbreak of conflict in Sudan in April 2023, marking one of the largest regional displacement waves in recent years.

According to the report, 74,934 refugees were registered shortly after the war began, bringing the total number of registered Sudanese with UNHCR in Tripoli to 91,494, amid the continued arrival of thousands fleeing through the southern and eastern borders.

The report noted that tighter border controls by Libyan authorities have pushed many refugees to take longer and more dangerous routes, contributing to a drop in daily arrivals via Chad to an average of about 70 people only. Libya’s borders with Sudan, Chad, and Egypt remain vast and difficult to monitor.

UNHCR stressed that accurately estimating the total number of arrivals remains complex due to irregular entry and the multiplicity of crossing points, noting that many refugees quickly move toward coastal cities after entering Libyan territory.

On the humanitarian front, the agency said Sudanese refugees face significant challenges in accessing healthcare, due to a lack of official documentation and the high cost of medical fees, leaving many without basic services.

The report also highlighted growing psychological pressure among refugees, driven by instability and the constant fear of displacement, particularly among the most vulnerable groups.

In terms of security, UNHCR pointed to ongoing search-and-rescue operations at sea, with 18 missions recorded in March alone; 10 in eastern Libya and 8 in the west.

The agency warned of escalating security campaigns in eastern Libya, raising concerns over arbitrary detention and possible forced returns to Sudan. It added that women, children, and people with disabilities face increasing risks of exploitation and gender-based violence. The Libya Observer