Abstract:

This paper is based on operational research conducted in Benghazi, eastern Libya. The study assessed the feasibility of a cross-sectoral integrated services delivery strategy for vulnerable children, primarily migrants, refugees, and internally displaced families. These groups are often deprived of their basic rights to health, education, and protection services. Future Makers, a civil society organization in East Libya, implemented the project with support from UNICEF, international NGOs, and technical experts from UNICEF. Libya’s political, geographic, and economic context has made it a hub for those escaping conflict and poverty. However, the country faces numerous challenges, including political instability, human rights violations, and inadequate support for migrants and refugees. The Baity Center, meaning “My Home” in Arabic, is a strategic approach to providing services to these vulnerable children under one roof. This approach was implemented for the first time in East Libya. The Future Makers team completed the first year of the project, delivering services to more than 700 children who needed any of these services. They extended their mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services to families in cases of gender-based violence and mental health issues for parents, particularly mothers, and young siblings. The paper discusses the challenges faced by young migrant children and the restrictive policies in Libya that hinder their access to basic rights and effectiveness of Baity Center to address this. The acceptance of the Baity Center and the high demand for its services were reflected by high levels of utilization and requests for its continuity met by extended donor support.

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