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:

selective focus of african american kid writing near brother sitting with dirty teddy bear
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.

Pediatrician doctor consulting black kid patient for healthcare service, medical help and wellness
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.

poor people's house
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, Uganda’s children remain full of hope — dreaming of education, health, and opportunities for a better tomorrow.

How We Help Amplify Change in Libya

At iam4allkids.org, we stand with Libya’s invisible children — those trapped between war, displacement, and silence. We highlight the grassroots groups bringing safety, care, and education to those most at risk.

We:

  • Share stories of resilience from children displaced by war

  • Spotlight education and trauma programs in camps and conflict zones

  • Support those defending stateless and migrant children from abuse and erasure

In a nation where the world has turned away, we lean in.

Happy african american parents and children preparing backpacks for school
Distressed black kid crying at psychotherapy session

Why Libya Is One of Our Focus Countries

Libya’s children are survivors — but survival isn’t enough.

  • Over 400,000 people remain internally displaced, many of them children

  • Schools and clinics are destroyed or abandoned across multiple regions

  • Migrant children are detained in inhumane conditions with no legal recourse

We believe these children deserve visibility, voice, and a future that doesn’t begin with war.

A Message of Hope From Libya

Even in chaos, care finds a way:

  • In damaged cities, makeshift schools are opening with chalkboards and hope.

  • In refugee camps, children are singing, drawing, and starting to heal.

  • In secret shelters, girls once trapped in abuse are writing new stories.

  • And because of your support, these children are no longer invisible.

In Libya, protection is fragile — but growing stronger every day.

Happy black kid enjoying in family lunch for Thanksgiving at dining table.

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.

Happy african american parents and children preparing backpacks for school
Distressed black kid crying at psychotherapy session

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.

Happy african american parents and children preparing backpacks for school
Distressed black kid crying at psychotherapy session

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.