New York: Europe and the Arabs
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights said that Storm Daniel that struck Libya “is another harsh reminder of the catastrophic impact that climate change can have on our world,” according to what was stated in the daily UN news bulletin, a copy of which we received on Thursday morning.
In a statement issued yesterday, Wednesday, Volker Türk expressed his deep sadness, saying that "thousands of lives have been horribly lost in eastern Libya, and many people have lost their loved ones, their homes, their communities, and access to basic needs."
He called on all political actors in Libya to overcome political deadlock and divisions and work collectively to ensure relief reaches.
"This is a time for unity of purpose. All those affected must receive support, regardless of any affiliations," the Human Rights Commissioner said.
He stressed the importance of paying special attention to ensuring the protection of groups living in fragile situations, who become more vulnerable in the wake of such a disaster.
Türk stressed that human rights must be at the heart of the response to “this heartbreaking situation.”
He concluded his statement by saying, "I stand in solidarity with the Libyan people, and offer my deepest condolences to those who are mourning irreparable losses."

Responding to calls for assistance
This comes at a time when the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs confirmed that the organization is responding to calls for assistance and providing relief in the affected areas.
The office said in an update issued yesterday that search and rescue operations are continuing in Libya, led by national agencies, the army, the Libyan Red Crescent, and local volunteers.
He noted that as of Tuesday, according to the International Organization for Migration, more than 2,000 people had been killed and at least 5,000 people were missing.
The Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Libya, Georgette Gagnon, tasked the emergency response team with supporting local authorities and partners. A United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination Team consisting of 12 people was also deployed to support response and relief operations.
Yesterday, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Martin Griffiths, announced an initial allocation of $10 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund to support those affected by the floods.