The European Union’s continued funding of the Libyan Coast Guard has come under scrutiny, due to mounting evidence of criminal activity and systematic human rights violations. The European Home Affairs Commissioner, Ylva Johansson stated that there are clear indications of criminal groups infiltrating the Coast Guard.
Former Libyan police officers have revealed that the Coast Guard and smugglers work together, with smugglers paying to be allowed to transport migrants to Europe. The Coast Guard is also accused of robbing intercepted migrants of their possessions, and sending them to detention centers or state-run prisons.
Recent incidents involving the Libyan Coast Guard have further highlighted concerns. The Coast Guard fired shots near a migrant boat, during a rescue operation by SOS Mediterranée, endangering the lives of the crew and survivors. In response to the shooting, Italian authorities detained the rescue vessel, Ocean Viking. Despite these incidents, the EU continues to provide vessels to Libya, raising questions about the European Commission’s stance on human rights, and allegations against the Coast Guard.
The EU’s support includes the donation of vessels. The shots fired during the rescue operation came from a vessel donated by the EU. It is estimated that Libya has received around €100 million in aid from the EU, and Italian authorities. However, the lack of transparency surrounding the funding raises concerns about the allocation and monitoring of these funds.
Meanwhile, sub-Saharan African migrants, including children, are trapped in a militarized border zone between Libya and Tunisia. Tunisian authorities have rounded up hundreds of migrants, leaving them without food or water in harsh conditions. The situation in Tunisia has seen a rise in hostility and violence towards sub-Saharan migrants, following the death of a local man. This incident has sparked further scrutiny of a proposed EU-Tunisia migration deal, which aims to strengthen Tunisia’s security services, and facilitate the return of asylum-seekers to the country.
Tunisian President, Kais Saied has expressed strong anti-migrant sentiments, stating that Tunisia will only accept those who abide by the country’s laws, and refusing to be a transit zone or settlement territory for migrants from other African countries. The treatment of migrants and allegations of lies spread by foreign powers have raised concerns about their well-being, and the stance of Tunisian authorities.
In addition to those expelled to the Libyan border, a large group of migrants has been taken by bus from Sfax, to the desert frontier with Algeria. Human Rights Watch has reported that they remain without any aid, and there are concerns about their safety and well-being.
The situation involving EU funding to the Libyan Coast Guard and the treatment of migrants in Tunisia highlights the need for greater transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights in migration policies. The international community and relevant authorities must address these concerns, and ensure the safety and dignity of migrants caught in these complex and challenging situations.