Libya: protection for refugee children

Since the political upheavals of 2011, Libya has been in a state of persistent insecurity. Many state structures are weakened or no longer functional. Refugee and migrant children are particularly affected: they often live without access to healthcare, education, or legal registration. The detention of minors remains common practice – often without adequate protection or support after their release.

This is where our child protection project, in partnership with the Belaady Foundation, comes in. Founded in 2012, the organization initially aimed to secure the release of imprisoned children. Today, Belaady operates in several regions of western Libya, primarily supporting refugee children from countries such as Somalia, Sudan, and Eritrea. The goal is to create a safe environment for these children and sustainably strengthen their rights. The project combines practical assistance with political advocacy: children receive support with school registration, health counseling, and assistance in obtaining legal documents. Regular visits to the detention centers allow for monitoring the conditions for underage prisoners and supporting their progress even after their release.

Another focus is on political advocacy. Through podcast series, legal analyses, and public relations work, awareness of children's rights in the context of migration is strengthened. At the same time, Belaady builds local capacity – for example, through training for activists, lawyers, and child rights experts who help document human rights violations and initiate effective measures.