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April 20, 2026 (TRIPOLI) – A United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) report indicates that over 550,000 Sudanese individuals have fled to Libya since the fighting began in April 2023.

The organization stated that roughly 559,920 people have entered the North African country. Of these, 74,934 were registered after the conflict began, resulting in a total of 91,494 Sudanese individuals registered at the UNHCR office in Tripoli.

Increased border surveillance by Libyan officials has compelled numerous refugees to take extended, more dangerous paths. Daily entries through Chad have decreased to an average of 70 individuals.

The UNHCR mentioned that determining a precise number is challenging because of the unpredictable entry patterns and the large, isolated borders Libya has with Sudan, Chad, and Egypt. Most refugees tend to head towards coastal cities once they cross the border.

Sudanese individuals who have been forced to leave their homes encounter significant challenges when trying to obtain public healthcare. The absence of proper paperwork and the difficulty in covering costs—typically set at international rates—has resulted in numerous people being without medical assistance.

The findings pointed out that instability and the ongoing risk of losing shelter have led to significant mental health challenges within the refugee community.

Sea search-and-rescue activities continue to be common, with 18 incidents reported in Libya during March. Ten of these happened in the eastern region, and eight occurred in the western part.

Increased security efforts in eastern Libya have raised the likelihood of arbitrary arrest and forced deportation to Sudan. The organization cautioned that women, children, and individuals with disabilities face a greater danger of being exploited and subjected to gender-based violence.