Large flows of people are moving west fleeing civil war in Libya. They search for security on the other side of the border with Tunisia. Here, the Danish Refugee Council helps providing shelter and relief to those in need. At the same time, preparations are underway for relief efforts inside Libya as soon as the securitysituation permits.

There are quiet days at the border with Tunesia. And then there are days when thousands of people make their way to cross over - Libyans and others who desperately flee from the riots, and look for protection from the war's relentless unpredictability.

Old cars cross the border packed to the brim with Libyan women, children and family belongings, that are left behind in Tunesia before the men return to join the fighting. In many cases, the migrant workers have lost everything, including their salaries. They are caught in the conflict and escape from the civil war in Libya only with the clothes they are wearing and a few things in a plastic bag or suitcase – along with the hope for a better life.

"It is obvious that these people have suffered from the war and the hopelessness that characterizes Libya right now. They are marked by desperation and simultaneously a glimmer of hope that something better is waiting on the other side of the border," says Lone Bildsoe Lassen, program coordinator at the Danish Refugee Council, just returned from Tunisia.

Until now, an estimated more than 750,000 people have fled the war in Libya, largely across the border  to Tunisia and Egypt. The Danish Refugee Council works with the UNHCR to identify the local communities hosting the refugees. Many of those who cross borders tell of widespread need for aid and protection inside Libya. But also host communities are in need of aid and support.

Particularly vulnerable are the Africans who come from south of Sahara, and who is still in Libya. Anti-Gaddafi groups see them as part of the Gaddafi regime, and as spies. Stores refuse to sell them food and both the Danish Refugee Council and the UNHCR have received numerous reports of violence against black Africans.

"We are preparing to move into Libya to start up activities there. There is an enormous need for humanitarian assistance in several areas, particularly in the western part of the country. But we can only start work there when there is a minimum of security, "says Lone Bildsoe Lassen.

Information about the humanitarian situation in Libya is still very limited, especially from the western part of the country, which is still under contro of Gaddafi forces. It is believed that several hundred thousands want to leave the country but are unable to escape because of security.

UNHCR estimates that more than one million people in Libya are in need of assistance. The worst case scenario is that the civil war could lead to an even higher number of people in need of emergency assistance.

The Danish Refugee Cuncil in cooperation with the U.S. emergency department of USAID, OFDA, is working to strengthen readiness to launch new relief activities inside Libya to ensure esential aid and protection at short notice.

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