The poverty crisis in Libya is worsening in an unprecedented way, as recent reports indicate that more than a third of Libyan families live below the poverty line, while a percentage of them face extreme poverty that threatens their daily lives.
This crisis is no longer limited to its economic dimension, but has expanded to constitute a social and psychological challenge that threatens the stability of the entire society. Political division and armed conflict led to high unemployment rates and a decline in purchasing power, while basic services in health, education, and housing declined, which deepened the gap between social classes and weakened social safety networks.
With increasing economic pressures, feelings of frustration, despair, anxiety, and depression have become a part of the lives of many families in light of the loss of confidence in official institutions and the absence of radical solutions.
Experts and observers believe that the continuation of the current situation may lead to a rise in crime rates and internal and external migration, which threatens the disintegration of the social fabric. They say that addressing the crisis requires comprehensive economic reform that focuses on diversifying sources of income, in addition to social support programs and mental health services. They warn that the continuation of poverty may lead to a social explosion that is difficult to contain.
