The GRTU has called on Maltese businesses and their partners in the EU to donate food to Libya as well as medicinals and equipment for use in Libyan hospitals.
It said it is calling for donations of Accident and Emergency items and pharmaceuticals, antibiotic preparations in all forms, bandages, IV fluids, analgesics and pain management medications, orthopaedic supplies, splints, sutures and any other medications and medical consumables that are consonant with injuries normally seen in a war zone.
Monetary donations are also being accepted.
Arrangements are being made for donated items to be gathered in a central location in Malta for onward delivery to Libya as soon as the situation allows it.
"We are appealing to Malta’s traditional generosity at this time. Libya is not just another country. It is a country that we Maltese have known and worked in for many years. By and large, our workers and businesses in Libya have contributed to Malta’s current standard of living. Many Maltese have Libyan friends and associates, and there are ties of friendship that go beyond the political rhetoric of the past. Libya is one of our closest neighbours, and it it’s our Christian duty to help them in this hour of need.
GRTU has set up a special email address on libyacrisis@grtu.net. One can also call on 21232881/79049409 and ask for Miss L. Said, or else on telephone number 99499401.
The Prime Minister at a press conference yesterday said there was need for coordinated international action toprovide humanitarian and medical help to the Libyan people.
UNHCR APPEAL
Meanwhile, the UNHCR said it is already on the ground responding to the needs of refugees and displaced people from Libya in Egypt and Tunisia. More than 100,000 people have already crossed the Libyan border with these two countries.
The UNHCR said that its first flight carrying humanitarian supplies and tents for emergency shelter landed in Tunisia on Saturday.
"Our teams on the ground are reporting unprecedented support being offered by local people who are making their way to the borders of both countries to help.
"We do not yet know the scale of the crisis we will be facing. But we do know that there are very large numbers of people, frightened families, fleeing their homes with few possessions. All they want is to get somewhere safe."
The UNHCR also appealed for donations
EU CONCERN
The European Commission this morning expressed concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation.
Humanitarian Affairs Commissioner Kristalina Georgieva said that “the battle for Tripoli is on top of the Commission’s worries right now” as this may leave thousands of victims and a massive flow of Libyans trying to cross over to the EU by sea, either to Malta or Italy.
She said that in that case, burden sharing from the other EU member states would be essential.
She also said that until now there is no need for a NATO intervention to help in the humanitarian mission.