The European Union High Representative for Security and Foreign Policy, Federica Mogherini, called for the need to mobilize international efforts to rescue illegal immigrants in Libya.
During her meeting with the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki, on Wednesday in Brussels, Mogherini stated that the issue of migration from Libya, will be the focus of the Euro-African summit scheduled in Addis Ababa at the end of this month.
In turn, Italian Foreign Minister, Angelino Alfano, stated that the Italian government requires that the repatriation of illegal migrants stranded in Libya be conducted under international supervision, not only using bilateral agreements with Italy.
Yet Alfano also noted that for its’ part, Italy welcomes the establishment of humanitarian corridors for illegal immigrants who are entitled to asylum. He added that they will identify migrants in need of international protection in shelters in Libya by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
Furthermore, Rwanda has offered to give refuge to 30,000 African migrants stuck in Libya. Foreign Minister Louise Mushikiwabo stated that, “given [their] own history… [they] cannot remain silent when human beings are being mistreated and auctioned off like cattle,” the foreign ministry said. She added that Rwanda is a small country but that they will find space for the migrants.
Mushikiwabo noted that Rwanda is in talks with African Union (AU) Commission to determine how to intervene and resettle Libyan Migrants.
With intensifying public and international pressure the migrant crisis in Libya demands immediate attention. The EU stated that they will press Libyan authorities to facilitate the entry of international teams into migrant shelters.The EU has begun to transfer asylum seekers from Libya, with 25 migrants moved thus far.
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