In 2020 the number of IDPs decreased overall from 355,672 individuals in 2019 to 278,177 in 2020, a reduction of 77,495 people. During the year an additional 27,919 new IDPs were displaced as a result of armed conflict. The highest number of IDPs continue to be hosted in Tripoli (53,155) followed by Benghazi (38,330) and Misrata (34,520), with most displaced families living in rented accommodation. 2020 witnessed the return of 105,414 IDPs, with returns reported at 11 locations, including Tripoli (30,446) followed by Almargeb (18,181) and Aljfara (13,615) and Murzuq (7,610).
UNHCR continued to take an integral part in the inter-agency response to internal displacement in Libya, both operationally and through robust fulfilment of coordination functions for Protection and Shelter/NFI sectors as well as the Cash Working Group, including dedication of increased information management capacity confirmed during 2020 for implementation in 2021. Under the leadership of UNHCR, the Protection Sector is contributing to advance the centrality of protection within the HCT. UNHCR undertook protection monitoring of IDP populations both directly and through partners, support to persons with specific needs (including in particular persons with disabilities and their caregivers), cash assistance, shelter, and legal assistance.
During the year UNHCR scaled up its cash assistance to IDPs most in need. UNHCR continued to provide services to persons with specific needs, with a particular focus on persons with disabilities and their caregivers. In 2020 physical and functional rehabilitation assistance, assistive devices, psychosocial services and referrals to specialized external services were provided to 1,198 individuals, including 643 persons with disabilities and to 555 caregivers. Outreach on disability issues continued, including through distribution of a video message on mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) issues related to disability, radio spots, joint sessions with national NGOs and direct individual outreach efforts.
Some 666 displacement-affected people were provided with legal assistance through individual counselling and assistance, group sessions, and outreach activities. Due to COVID-19 outreach limitations and restrictions on large gatherings, outreach to community members could not be implemented as planned through group meetings but had to be modified to remote provision. In order to support the provision of counselling, the partner undertook an analysis of Libyan legislation and practice as relevant to civil documentation and produced eight internal guidance documents on the registration of life events (birth, death and marriage), family booklets, national IDs, national numbers and passports which will provide detailed information on the steps involved to secure these documents.
During the year, 7,582 IDPs in 69 communities were reached through protection monitoring activities, which included household-level surveys, key informant interviews, direct observations and focus group discussions. Main protection monitoring results included needs arising from forced displacement due to insecurity and exposure to hostilities in areas of origin, including access to basic services such as shelter, drinking water, CRIs, and food items. Despite the COVID-19 restrictions field visits resumed only from the month of June 2020 with an adjustment on the programme following a situational change.