As a result of an estimated 400,000 Libyans displaced since last May, the European Commission announced Tuesday in a press release that the EU will give €2 million to Libya in emergency humanitarian assistance.

“It is clear that there are huge needs and that the emergency aid we are providing can be a lifeline to some of the most vulnerable families caught up in the conflict," said the EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, Christos Stylianides according to the statement.

The statement also read that in addition to providing assistance to displaced Libyans, funding will also be put towards food, shelters, medical assistance and psycho-social support. Warm clothing and heaters will also be provided to address the approaching cold weather, the EU said.

Many Libyans have been forced to leave their homes as the country’s civil strife has intensified. Fleeing however has not been sufficient as severe damage to infrastructure has made it difficult to find medical supplies and basic services and meet basic needs such as food and shelter.

Last September Human Rights Watch issued a statement announcing that thousands of residents have fled their homes due to the fighting between the Islamic militia and the coalition led by General Khalifa Haftar. The statement said that the watchdog group has documented a series of attacks by the Islamic militia known as "Libya Dawn forces" on civilians.

"More than 393,420 persons had internally fled their homes after the war was intensified between the armed groups," a UNCHR said in a statement last month.

Displaced Libyans are spread across 35 towns and are "in dire need of shelter, health care, food, water and other basic commodities," said UNHCR spokesperson Adrian Edwards.

The UNHCR statement also called on all countries to allow civilians who escape Libya access to their lands, and to suspend the deportation of Libyans until the country’s security and human rights situation improves.