MSF met Yonas, a young Eritrean, in a Libya detention centre in 2019. MSF staff member Jerome Tubiana exchanged messages with him over a year. In our first documentary, we illustrated their conversation and Yona’s struggle to find way to leave Libya. In News From Libya, we meet Yonas again. This time in Belgium, where Yonas has claimed asylum and awaits news on his future. Still affected by his memories of the horrible conditions in the Libyan detention centre, he reflects on his life now, the struggles to survive in Europe, and his disgust that Europe, the place where he now seeks safety, is helping fund the horrible prison that he fled just two years ago.

MSF in Libya:

MSF first worked in Libya in 2011 to provide assistance to people affected by the conflict, at the height of the fighting. MSF’s programmes later shifted from an armed conflict response to supporting the crippled Libyan health system that continues to face staffing and drug shortages. Despite the unstable situation, Libya remains attractive for immigration mainly for economic work opportunities but also a transit country for both migrants and refugees trying to reach Europe. MSF offers free-of-charge medical services to support vulnerable people, including refugees and migrants who have very limited access to healthcare.

MSF has been working in detention centres in Libya since 2016, providing people with basic healthcare and psychosocial support. MSF teams also identify vulnerable people and refer patients requiring specialist care to hospitals across Libya.