Tunisian Red Crescent and IOM distribute food supplies to 7,000 migrants stranded in Sfax during Ramadan amid complex challenges

IOM and the Tunisian Red Crescent distribute food to 7,000 migrants in Sfax during Ramadan. A strengthened humanitarian response to support vulnerable migrants during the holy month.

In a joint statement, the International Organization for Migration OM) and the Tunisian Red Crescent (CRT) revealed that they had joined forces to meet the food necessities of some 7,000 migrants stranded in Sfax during the holy month of Ramadan. This initiative is part of an intensification of IOM’s humanitarian response in the region, aimed at easing the difficulties confronted by vulnerable migrant populations.

Mr. Wria Rashid, head of the IOM sub-office in Sfax, emphasised the critical significance of this food aid, affirming that it has an immediate and significant effect on the lives of migrants. Thanks to the generosity of donors and close cooperation with the CRT, IOM managed to provide food baskets and drinking water to these migrants within two weeks.

The press release also relayed the poignant testimonies of the beneficiaries. Fatima, one of them, voiced nostalgia for fast-breaking meals shared with family, friends and neighbours. For her, this warmness and sharing characteristic of Ramadan are important elements that she sorely misses away from home. Abdullah, another beneficiary, shared the daily challenges he encounters in obtaining food and accessing clean water, emphasising the vital importance of this assistance.

Faced with these pressing needs, a mobile health clinic was founded on March 30 in collaboration with the CRT and with the support of local health authorities. This initiative made it possible to deliver various health services to 150 migrants, consequently covering another essential facet of the humanitarian needs of this vulnerable population.

Anas Al-Hakim, Director General of the Red Crescent Regional Authority in Sfax, voiced his gratitude to IOM for its cooperation and responsiveness on the ground. He underlined the significance of effective collaboration between the two organizations in providing logistical and administrative support during food distributions and direct assistance.

The press release also announced that IOM Tunisia will continue to work closely with the CRT of Sfax to deliver immediate and extensive aid to migrants in need. The organization remains ready to operate with authorities and the humanitarian community to provide emergency support to the most vulnerable populations in the coming months.