The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights is deeply saddened by the devastating floods that have affected several regions in eastern Libya, where towns have been completely submerged by torrential rain, particularly the coastal town of Derna, as a result of the Mediterranean storm Daniel.
The African Commission deplores the very heavy provisional death toll, with more than 5,500 people dead and 10,000 missing. This toll is accompanied by significant material damage.
The African Commission offers its condolences to the Libyan people and expresses its solidarity with those affected by this natural disaster.
It calls on African states to mobilise as a matter of urgency to assist the Libyan government in assessing humanitarian needs in order to meet the right of access to health care for the injured and to food, shelter and drinking water for the affected population.
In the context of this natural disaster, it is essential for the African Union to promote the African values of solidarity, mutual aid and resilience towards the Libyan people, in order to respond to the vulnerabilities caused by climate change.
Banjul-13 September 2023
Hon. Maya Sahli Fadel
Commissioner in Charge of Libya
