Introduction

Humanitarian assistance is the total of actions aimed at helping and protecting populations affected by various crises. It is based on principles such as humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence. It mobilizes a wide range of policymakers (IOS, NGOs, States, local communities, etc.). It faces many challenges, particularly those linked to emergencies, i.e. the need to intervene rapidly and effectively to save lives and reduce suffering.

Humanitarian assistance: difficulties and challenges

Morocco and Libya illustrate the difficulties and challenges of humanitarian action in emergencies. These countries were hit by natural disasters in September 2023, which caused major human and material losses. Morocco suffered an earthquake in the Fez-Meknes region, killing over 300 people and injuring 2,000. In Libya, flooding affected more than 100,000 people in the northwest of the country.

Deployment of humanitarian action in Morocco and Libya: methods and results

Humanitarian action was deployed in both countries but with different modalities and results. In Morocco, international aid was rapid and substantial, thanks to regional and international solidarity. Several neighbouring countries (Algeria, Tunisia, etc.) Sent relief teams, medical supplies and tents. IOS, such as the Red Crescent and UNICEF, also lent their support. Humanitarian action provided medical, food and psychosocial assistance to disaster victims, and restored water, electricity and telecommunications.

In Libya, on the other hand, international aid was more limited and more difficult to deliver, due to the country’s political and security situation. Libya has been at war since 2011, split in two by a crisis pitting the Tripoli-based GNA against the ANL. This situation complicates the coordination of relief efforts and access to flood-affected areas. NGOs present on the ground are encountering logistical, administrative and diplomatic obstacles in their efforts to help the victims. Humanitarian assistance is struggling to meet the urgent needs of the victims, who are suffering from shortages of drinking water, food, medicines and shelter.

Conclusion

The cases of Morocco and Libya show that humanitarian action in emergencies largely depends on the context in which it takes place. Nevertheless, it requires good coordination between the actors involved, a good knowledge of the terrain and the needs of the population, and the ability to adapt to the constraints and risks encountered. It also raises ethical and political questions about the role and responsibility of the international community in the face of natural disasters in fragile or conflict-ridden countries. How can we ensure effective and equitable aid to victims, without compromising humanitarian principles? How can we strengthen the resilience of populations and institutions in the face of crises, without interfering in the internal affairs of countries? These are just some of the challenges and debates that humanitarian action needs to address.