Youssef Al-Agouri, Head of the Libyan Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, has expressed his grave concern over recent developments regarding the migration crisis.
Al-Agouri stated in press statements that the recent security campaigns in Misrata aimed to free immigrants who were being held in secret prisons, which are managed by smuggling and human trafficking groups.
He added that the campaign “should have been coordinated in advance with the Illegal Immigration Control Agency, in a way that respects their dignity and in accordance with national legal procedures and international standards.”
Al-Agouri also pointed out the deteriorating conditions in immigrant housing centers, “which are operating beyond their capacity, and require urgent development work to carry out their tasks.”
He confirmed that the Foreign Affairs Committee is “making every effort to follow up on the matter in coordination with relevant international organizations.”
Al-Agouri expressed his regret at the “significant increase in illegal immigration activity in the Cyrenaica region.” He called on the General Command of the Libyan National Army (LNA) to “intervene and support the Illegal Immigration Control Agency with transportation, food, and medical needs.”
Last week, the Head of the Illegal Immigration Agency in the eastern region of Libya, Brigadier General Rafe Al-Baragathi said that Libya is “fighting the smuggling mafia alone, without any international support.”
In an interview with Libya’s Al-Wasat newspaper, Al-Baragathi said the southern Libyan borders extend over 2,000 kilometers, and are difficult to fully secure. He pointed to the ongoing international embargo on the Libyan army, which hinders its ability to obtain the necessary resources to secure the borders. Under these circumstances, there has been an increase in the influx of migrants.
“The human trafficking mafia does not receive support from within Libya. The migration issue is a thorny one that affects major and advanced countries, while Libya is left alone to deal with the growing phenomenon,” he said.
He added that the situation has “affected the work of the Agency in the eastern region, as the government in Tripoli did not provide any support for the Agency.” He also complained about the lack of resources and support to enable the Agency, to carry out its duties.
