Are you under 18? If you are, this page is for you! You will find information about services for children and young people who have had to leave their home country and are now in Libya.
Who is a refugee? 👧🏽👦🏽
Refugees are ordinary people who lived through extraordinary times. In the country they lived in, conflict or persecution had put them at risk. They had no other choice but to flee. Refugees are therefore no longer in their own country and have crossed at least one border. Ongoing conflict may put them at risk if they return or they are at risk of harm because of their nationality, race or sexual orientation or because they associate with a religion, a social group, or a political opinion. There are international laws to protect refugees and they cannot be sent back to their countries if it puts them at risk.
To learn more about refugees and UNHCR in Libya, you can watch our video.
How can I register with/approach UNHCR? 💻🏢👧🏽👦🏽📆
If you are in Libya with your family, it may be a good idea to talk to your parents or a trusted adult first, but you can also contact us on your own😊. If you want to register with us, you first need to book an appointment. You can call our registration hotline at 📱📞091 163 3466.
The person on the line will ask you few questions including your name, date of birth, where you were born, and the reason why you left your country and will let you know if/when you can register and give you a registration appointment. When you come to the interview, you should bring with you all your documents, if you have any, including your passport, ID card, birth certificate, etc. Do not be afraid to present any documentation you have, as this is important. You can find more information in the video on our registration page.
I am on my own in Libya and I need help. What can UNHCR do for me? 👧🏽👦🏽
You first need to register with UNHCR – you can check above about how to do that. Once you do, depending on your needs, we can help you in a number of ways and you can watch our video to learn about the different types of assistance we can provide in Libya, and you can read detailed descriptions of the services here. You need to contact us at one of the below listed hotlines and explain to us your situation and what assistance you think you need, and we will tell you what to do. Here are the numbers you can call:
📱📞UNHCR Registration Hotline: 091 163 3466 (From Sunday to Thursday 08:30-16:30)
📱📞 UNHCR Protection Hotline: 091 712 7644 (From Sunday to Thursday 08:30-16:30)
📱📞 Tawasul Common Feedback Mechanism hotline: 1404 (From Sunday to Thursday 09:00-23:00) – It is a toll-free country-wide phone line for you to obtain information on humanitarian programmes, voice your complaints and provide feedback. According to your needs, you can also be referred to the relevant humanitarian organizations.
📱📞 CESVI hotlines: 091 002 7717 or 092 276 7166 (From Sunday to Thursday 09:00-17:00) – CESVI is one of our partners working with children like you who need assistance including those who are in Libya on their own.
I am a child who is alone in Libya, but I have family members in another country who I want to join. Can UNHCR help me? 🌍✈️
It is important for a child to remain with his/her family as much as it is possible. If you contact UNHCR, we will do our best to help you. We will try to find and establish contact with your family. We will also try to unite you with your family; however, procedures are different from country to country. Please reach us through UNHCR Protection Hotline: 📱📞 091 712 7644. You can also find more information ➡️here.
Someone has hurt me, or I am afraid that they will. What should I do?
No one has the right to abuse, neglect or mistreat any child – not even their parents, relatives, or teachers. If someone has hurt you or touched you in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable, or if you are afraid that someone will, there are organizations that can help you. If you contact UNHCR, we will do our best to help you. You can reach us through the below numbers:
📱📞UNHCR Protection Hotline: 091 712 7644 (From Sunday to Thursday 08:30-16:30)
📱📞 CESVI hotlines: 091 002 7717 or 092 276 7166 (From Sunday to Thursday 09:00-17:00)
If you have experienced any form of violence that requires you to see a doctor immediately, you can contact:
📱📞 IRC for Health Assistance – Medical emergency hotline: 091 035 4839 (24/7 – Every day at any time)
I am not going to school right now, but I would like to. How can I get help to go to school? 🏫📚
Every child has a right to go to school and UNHCR may be able to help you by referring you to UNICEF. Through them, it might be possible to register you in public schools or assist you to enrol in non-formal education in Baity centres run by UNICEF. You can contact us as we explained above, and we will guide you through the process. Please reach us through UNHCR Protection Hotline: 📱📞 091 712 7644.
I have a disability. Can you assist me?
We, together with our partner CESVI, are able to provide specific assistance including assistive devices, referrals to external service providers, psychosocial support, basic physical rehabilitation, and follow-up at home. If you have any disability and you need help, please reach our partner CESVI through their hotlines: 📱📞 091 002 7717 or 📱📞 092 276 7166.
I have had bad experiences during my journey. I feel sad, angry, worried, scared, or confused. Is this normal?
It is normal to feel upset after having to leave your country and see or experience so many terrifying things. You may have difficulty putting things that you saw or experienced out of your mind. You may be separated from people you love and worried about them or worried about what will happen next. You may feel like nothing is familiar. Some simple things to try that may help you cope with this difficult situation. If you are with your parents or have someone around you who you can trust, talk to them about how you are feeling.
Do not hesitate to ask for help from a psychologist, counsellor, or doctor – many of these professionals are available for free through service providers. If you think you need assistance to talk about the way you are feeling, you can contact our partner CESVI at 📱📞 091 002 7717 or 📱📞 092 276 7166 (from Sunday to Thursday 09:00-17:00).
If you have experienced any form of violence that requires you to see a doctor immediately, you can contact:
📱📞 IRC for Health Assistance:
Medical emergency hotline: 091 035 4839 (24/7 – Every day at any time)
