The war torn nation of Libya is looking at far greater problems than its isolation in the world community. Muammar Gaddafi remains adamant in clinging on to power even as his army has daily battles against rebel forces. The revolt has been carrying on unabated since the month of February leading to the deaths of more than 1000 people so far with many more people being unaccounted for and perhaps been held as political prisoners.

This civil was has caused thousands of people to flee the country from every possible exit point, with Tunisia and Egypt bearing the greatest brunt of the influx. A large proportion of this exodus consists of migrant workers and their families. People are enduring great hardships in order to get out of the country with many people trying to make the difficult crossing over the Mediterranean whereas others attempt to cross the mountains for food and survival.

The pity is that these refugees are not always guaranteed a warm welcome wherever they land. Tunisia has been convulsed by violence thanks to its own uprising against its leadership and is hardly in a position to offer sanction to the people fleeing Libya. People landing in Malta, Rhodes and European controlled destinations are fueling local resentment towards them. The Italian government is asking its European neighbors for help with this problem but very little seems to be forthcoming.

There is another human tragedy unfolding in Libya at the same time. The United Nations World Food Program warns that the country is running out of food very quickly because it is unable to import the required amount of food for its people. In addition, the country is finding it impossible to procure materials necessary for local food production, which will adversely impact the food situation within the next two months in Libya.

The international community has to step up its efforts to bring the war in Libya to an end because the humanitarian crisis which is the result will cost many human lives. It remains to be seen whether the Libyan people themselves will be able to shake off the oppressive yoke that Gaddafi has placed over them soon enough to avert a crisis.