Islamic Relief USA to Assist Nearly 12,000 Libyan Refugees Displaced by Violence

WASHINGTON, April 15, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Islamic Relief USA (IR USA), a relief and development organization based in the D.C. metro area, announced today its humanitarian effort to assist nearly 12,000 displaced Libyan nationals at the Deheba border crossing in Tunisia.  Rapid needs assessment reports indicate that the border crossing area has become a transitional camp for refugees fleeing the violence in western Libyan towns with thousands more expected to arrive in the coming days.

Local Tunisian aid agencies have reported severe shortages in food stocks and means of supporting the refugees, who are comprised mostly of women, children and the elderly.  Without the help of Islamic Relief, the hosting Tunisian families in nearby town of Tatawien stated they wouldn't be able to support their guest families more than several days.  

Islamic Relief's humanitarian effort to aid Libyan refugees in Tunisia will provide immediate assistance in the form of shelter kits and cooking sets, daily food rations to each family, water supplies and latrines and hygiene kits, and establishment of a health clinic with a physician and a nurse.

In addition, Islamic Relief Worldwide in conjunction with the World Food Program is delivering medical supplies, food and NFIs from Alexandria to the Libyan port city of Misrata.  The shipment includes direly needed supplies of 1200 cans of Baby Milk, 5500 cartons of staple food items, 11 containers of clothing items, and 4 pallets of medicine to hospitals.  

Islamic Relief is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization with a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. Its mission is to alleviate suffering, hunger, illiteracy and diseases worldwide regardless of color, race, gender or creed, and to provide aid in a compassionate and dignified manner. Islamic Relief aims to provide rapid relief in the event of human and natural disasters and to establish sustainable local development projects allowing communities to better help themselves.

MEDIA CONTACT: AsmaYousef at 703-582-5880, [email protected]

SOURCE Islamic Relief USA