Border in crisis as refugees flee Libya

Tens of thousands of people are continuing to flee the violence in Libya, and the United Nations refugee agency says the situation on the Libya-Tunisian border is reaching crisis point.

Vast numbers of people, mostly migrant workers, have fled Libya since an uprising against the four-decade rule of Moamar Gaddafi led to a violent crackdown by his security forces. (more…)

shortage of funds threatening UNHCR work in Yemen

A shortage of funds was threatening the future of the United Nations’ Refugee Agency’s (UNHCR) work in Yemen, an official warned Friday. “We are facing a dramatic funding situation in Yemen and may be forced to scale down our operations for refugees and internally displaced people… if we do not receive fresh contributions very soon,” said Melissa Fleming, a spokeswoman for UNHCR.
The agency said it received less than 3 per cent of the 35.6 million dollars needed to continue its relief operations in the country.
UNHCR’s work includes providing shelter to those forced to flee their homes as a result of violence raging in areas of Yemen. DPA

UN: Thousands of civilians fleeing clashes in northern Yemen

Thousands of civilians continue to steam out of northern Yemen, where the clashes between Government forces and rebels enter their fifth month, the United Nations refugee agency reported today.
The situation in Sa’ada province remains tense, and the situation in Razeh district is particularly worrying, as civilians’ freedom of movement is restricted and basic services such as electricity and water are lacking, according to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
The agency estimates that 175,000 people have been affected by conflict since 2004, including those displaced by the latest surge in fighting between the Government and Al Houthi rebels.
“Shortages of food and other commodities have pushed the prices sharply upwards and more and more people are unable to afford their basic needs,” UNHCR spokesperson Andrej Mahecic told reporters in Geneva. Source: UN