As Correspondents explores how Tunisian humanitarian organisations might respond to a large number of refugees fleeing a potential military intervention in neighbouring Libya, we spoke to an employee in the UNHCR Protection Department, Ayadh al Bou Salemi.

Ayadh al Bou Salemi, what are the UNHCR’s plans in Tunisia should there be a military operation in Libya?

As Correspondents explores how Tunisian humanitarian organisations might respond to a large number of refugees fleeing a potential military intervention in neighbouring Libya, we spoke to an employee in the UNHCR Protection Department, Ayadh al Bou Salemi.

Ayadh al Bou Salemi, what are the UNHCR’s plans in Tunisia should there be a military operation in Libya?

First, we should remember that proactive and preemptive action is a crucial element in any UNHCR response strategy. The UNHCR office in Tunisia has been working for years, especially after signing the cooperation agreement with Tunisia in 2011, to raise awareness about refugee issues and develop the capacities of the Tunisian government and civil society in this field.

Our aim is to increase the awareness of all stakeholders about the rules of international protection and international legal obligations, as well as of the related humanitarian and economic challenges and benefits. This year-long awareness and training activity is very important in establishing an appropriate ground for international protection, including clear roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders and the way of fulfilling them under ordinary and emergency circumstances so that everybody would be ready to respond to any exodus.

What are your plans to respond to a possible mass exodus from Libya?

In 2014, the UNHCR office developed a contingency plan upon the request of the Tunisian government. All stakeholders took part in developing this plan, including the ministries and concerned central and local agencies and international agencies like UNHCR and IOM (International Organisation for Migration), in addition to civil society organisations and other partners.

This comprehensive plan covers all humanitarian aspects of any emergency situation (reception, registration, accommodation, healthcare, immediate food and non-food aids etc.) It specifies the tasks of each stakeholder and the timing and extent of intervention. The plan is regularly updated through consultations with overlapping parties so that it remains applicable with the highest possible feasibility. Of course, we hope the situations will remain stable without any type of exodus and hence will have no need to implement the plan.

It is worth mentioning here that the above contingency plan has not been the result of the current developments in the region. It has been developed since 2014, based on the awareness of different government and international parties about the importance of getting prepared and establishing a clear, preemptive and well-coordinated intervention framework to respond to any future exodus.

Is UNHCR trying to convince the Tunisian government to build border refugee camps to respond to any military operation?

Here we should also remember an important element in the UNCHR’s approach to international protection of persons subject to its jurisdiction, particularly in situations of emergency and displacement situations.

This approach is clear. It is called the approach in urban settings to provide shelter to those coming in the form of exodus. Analysis has demonstrated that refugee camps are not the ideal way to ensure protection. Camps should be an emergency and transitional response even if the circumstances oblige a country to choose it under emergency situations.

However, activating any of the above two approaches will depend on the alternatives of the host country in line with its sovereignty. Yet, UNHCR should still provide recommendations based on its mandate and experience and in line with the requirements of international protection of persons.

Has the UNHCR taken any contingency measures in cooperation with its field partner, the Red Crescent?

UNHCR follows a participatory approach in cooperating with different stakeholders whether in its daily refugee support activities (financial, humanitarian or healthcare aid, organisation and awareness, capacity development, resilience building, etc.) or in providing an appropriate international protection in the host country (tailoring permanent solutions in consultation with the government and cooperation with the stakeholders to create the right protection environment).

We are regularly cooperating and coordinating with the central and local Tunisian authorities as well as with our partners on clear and specific programs to achieve the best possible conditions for the care of persons under the UNHCR jurisdiction.

Among these partners of course are the Tunisian Red Crescent and other humanitarian organizations and civil society organizations familiar with humanitarian work and capable of providing good protection to the refugees. UNHCR also held regular meetings with its partners to evaluate the situations and find solutions to overcome the challenges facing the refugees.

In these continuous UNHCR preparations, the Tunisian Red Crescent and other organisations have roles in getting prepared for any contingencies. The Tunisian Red Crescent has experience, competent staff, and major participation in humanitarian work. We have an old and strong partnership with them and we really rely on their added value, especially in field work. We also rely on the other UNHCR partners in other areas and highly appreciate their work and input.

Does UNHCR have offices in the border crossing areas?

UNHCR has two offices: the first is in the capital, Tunis and the second is in the southern city of Zarzis. However, UNHCR is also reaching people under its jurisdiction through the Tunisian Red Crescent offices in other cities including Sfax, Sousse and Medenine and through the travels of UNHCR staff. As for using border crossings in any exodus, the contingency plan considers the establishment of two “mobile offices” near the Ras Jedir and Dhehiba crossings to handle the refugee registration and categorisation work in the initial stages.

Have you considered a contingency budget to respond to a possible exodus from Libya?

Apart from the available limited resources, there are no financial allocations to respond to a possible exodus. This is a crucial issue of course and we believe that the international community must support any country hosting refugees.