Libya

Libya: Protecting Childhood Amid Conflict and Collapse

Explore Libya:

Learn how children in this war-torn country are facing trauma, displacement, and danger — and meet the quiet heroes building safe spaces, one child at a time.

The Situation for Children in Libya

Years of conflict and political collapse have left Libya’s children exposed to danger, instability, and abandonment. In a nation where institutions have crumbled, it is often communities — not governments — who step up to care for the next generation. These are the three most urgent challenges:

Displacement and Exposure to Armed Conflict

Thousands of children have been forced from their homes due to fighting between militias, living in camps or unsafe urban areas. Many face shelling, recruitment risks, or the trauma of losing parents and homes.

Collapse of Basic Services and Education Access

Many schools are damaged, closed, or occupied by armed groups. Health care is limited, and displaced or disabled children often have no access to learning, vaccines, or emotional care.

Abuse and Exploitation of Migrant and Stateless Children

Libya is a transit point for migration, and children in detention centers or on the move face physical abuse, forced labor, trafficking, and sexual violence — with little to no protection from authorities.

Despite these challenges, Libya’s children remain full of hope, dreaming of education, health, and opportunities for a better tomorrow.

Key Contributor #1: Basmah Organization for Children’s Rights

Protecting Displaced and Orphaned Children From Violence and Neglect

Operating in Tripoli and Benghazi, Basmah provides psychosocial care, temporary housing, and school access to children orphaned or displaced by conflict. Their mobile teams also deliver food, hygiene kits, and mental health support in informal camps.

They advocate for children’s rights in a space where the law offers little protection — and their caseworkers walk side-by-side with families in search of safety.

For every child left behind by war, Basmah offers a path back to belonging.

Key Contributor #2: Noor Al-Amal (Light of Hope) Youth Center

Creating Safe Learning Spaces for Children in Conflict Zones

Noor Al-Amal runs child-friendly learning spaces in unstable regions where schools have closed. These centers offer accelerated education, art therapy, and conflict resolution workshops led by youth mentors and teachers trained in trauma care.

The centers welcome displaced, disabled, and migrant children — no questions asked. Each classroom becomes a space where war pauses, and wonder begins again.

Their mission is bold and simple: where there are children, there must be light.

Key Event #1: Camp Classroom Initiative – Sabha and Derna

Turning Tents Into Schools for Displaced Children

In 2023, Basmah launched the Camp Classroom Initiative, transforming empty tents in IDP camps into learning hubs for children displaced by militia violence. Each tent was equipped with basic school supplies, books, and tables. Retired teachers and volunteers led lessons and emotional support activities.

Children painted, wrote poems, and practiced reading — many for the first time in years.

The classrooms gave more than education — they gave a rhythm to lives interrupted by war.

Key Event #2: Children’s Peace Week – Misrata Region

Helping Children Cope With Conflict Through Art and Dialogue

In 2024, Noor Al-Amal organized Children’s Peace Week, a weeklong gathering of local children affected by violence, led by trauma-informed youth leaders and educators. Activities included storytelling circles, mural painting, music sessions, and collaborative problem-solving games.

Children shared experiences of loss, fear, and hope. Parents were invited to the final day for a community showcase — a space to witness their children’s courage.

The event reminded everyone: peace is something children deserve to practice, not just pray for.

Top Grassroot Nonprofits Across Libya