As high-level diplomats and UN representatives gather in London to discuss the situation in Libya, the International Rescue Committee is urging participants to put the issue of humanitarian access ‘firmly on the table’ of today’s talks.

“We’re gravely concerned about the conditions of civilians in areas of heavy fighting,” says Carolyn Makinson, chief executive of IRC UK. “The situation could easily deteriorate into a humanitarian emergency.”

Nearly all of the 300,000 people who have crossed into neighboring countries since the Libyan crisis erupted last month are foreign workers and have been repatriated.   The latest reports indicate that very few Libyans--about 3,000---have so far left the country for Egypt.  (Photo: Chris de Bode/SV)