Libyans refugees in Tunisia - The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and its partners in Tunisia said they are distributing food to more than 55,000 Libyans who have fled the fighting in their homeland to help them prepare their evening meals during the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan. Nasir Abel Fernandes, UNHCR senior emergency coordinator in southern Tunisia, said in a statement on Wednesday that, `the logistics of the operation have gone very smoothly thanks to cooperation between all those involved, including the Tunisian government',

It said that some 400 staff from UNHCR and other local and international organizations, including the World Food Programme (WFP), have helped pack, transport and distribute the food at more than 34 distribution points across southern Tunisia.

It disclosed that over half a million people, including migrant workers, refugees and asylum-seekers, have fled to Tunisia since fighting erupted in February between a pro-democracy movement and the forces loyal to Muammar Khadafi.

The statement said that, ``most of the Libyans have few resources and are happy to receive the food'.

``This donation will be a great help in cutting down family expenses during Ramadan,” a 72-year-old Ali was quoted as saying as he queued for his food package in UNHCR’s Al Khayr distribution centre in the town of Tataouine.

It stated that Ali, who fled to Tunisia in April with a large group of relatives, said Ramadan was very important to him and his family.

It also said that 15 items, including rice, pasta, couscous, oil, tomato paste, tuna, sugar and dates, are being handed out in five southern Tunisian provinces, where tens of thousands of Libyans are staying in camps or living with host families.

The food will be eaten during iftar, the evening meal.

During Ramadan, which started on Monday, Muslims are forbidden to eat or drink during daylight hours.

The statement further said that other organizations taking part in the operation are the Tunisian Red Crescent, the United Arab Emirates Red Crescent, Islamic Relief, Al Tawoon, Secours Islamique France, Secours Populaire Français, Wafa Relief and the Libyan Relief Committee.

Pana 04/08/2011