U.S. Supporting Food Supplies, Aid For Libyan Refugees

U.S. Supporting Food Supplies, Aid For Libyan Refugees

The State Department announced an initial U.S. humanitarian response to the crisis in Libya. According to a February 28 fact sheet ( http://www.america.gov/st/texttrans-english/2011/February/20110228163258su3.554499e-02.html ), the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has set aside an initial $10 million for international organizations, nongovernmental groups and the Libyan Red Crescent Society to use toward the most urgent needs of the Libyan people.

USAID is also sending two "expert humanitarian teams" to Libya's borders with Tunisia and Egypt, and is consulting with the governments of both countries on how to assist with the large number of people who have been fleeing Libya, the fact sheet said. The State Department's Bureau for Population, Migration and Refugees is also working with the International Organization for Migration and the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees in support of their efforts.

The Obama administration is immediately focused on the need to "keep medical pipelines well stocked and intact," but the fact sheet said that because of concerns that the crisis could lead to food shortages, USAID has also conducted an inventory of all U.S. food assistance in the region and is "prepared to divert or dispatch other food stocks to Libya" if needed.

"In the midst of ongoing violence, the humanitarian situation in Libya is growing more acute," the fact sheet said. "Restricted access and limited information pose distinct challenges, but the United States is actively responding and stands prepared to assist Libya's people through this turbulent period."

ENDS

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