Concluding a two-day visit to Tunisia, the heads of UNHCR and IOM
called for continued international momentum as people continue to
flee Libya by the thousands.

UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Antonio Guterres and IOM
Director General William Swing noted that the joint IOM-UNHCR
humanitarian evacuation initiative had dramatically relieved the
overcrowding at the border with the immediate airlift response of
governments. Within days, tens of thousands of Egyptians were flown
home. 

"Our immediate goal is to ensure that every migrant worker that
has fled Libya can go home safely and in dignity as quickly as
possible. They have suffered enough," Mr. Swing said, noting the
need to increase significantly the number of evacuation flights,
particularly to Bangladesh. This will require enhanced
international support.

"An open border is the most precious thing you can have in a
refugee crisis," Mr. Guterres said. "At a moment of tragedy, the
Tunisian government and its people are setting an example of
humanitarian generosity by opening their borders and their
homes."

Mr. Guterres and Mr Swing called on the international community
to demonstrate the same kind of generosity with Tunisia as they are
showing to those fleeing Libya by offering meaningful support to
the Tunisian people.

Mr. Swing and Mr. Guterres held meetings today with the
President, the Prime Minister and a number of other key senior
government officials to express their thanks for the unlimited
generosity and humanity Tunisia is displaying toward those fleeing
the violence.

During a one-day visit to the Ras Adjir border and the Choucha
UNHCR-run transit camp where 15,000 people, mostly Bangladeshis,
await evacuation, Mr. Swing and Mr. Guterres, recognized the
large-scale efforts by the Tunisian government, civil society and
the Red Crescent, together with international organizations, to
assist each and every individual crossing their border.

The two agency heads warned that as the fighting escalates
inside Libya, the situation could quickly become acute again. At
the height of the influx, some 14,000, mostly migrant workers,
crossed on a single day. UNHCR and IOM, together with the broad
humanitarian community, are strengthening contingencies to prepare
for an eventual massive inflow of people across the border.

Of particular concern to UNHCR are the people crossing in
increasing numbers who stem from war-torn countries like Somalia,
who cannot be returned to their countries of origin. Mr. Guterres
is appealing to developed countries to work closely with UNHCR in
finding joint solutions for their future.

IOM and UNHCR will continue their joint efforts to fully support
the Tunisian people and the government as they generously welcome
all those fleeing the tragic developments in Libya.