On Monday, Osama Hammad, the Prime Minister of Libya’s interim government, emphasized the need for comprehensive strategies to tackle both the causes and effects of migration.
Speaking at the African International Conference on Migration, Hammad underscored the importance of collaborative efforts and information sharing among African nations to address migration challenges and protect the rights of migrants.
Hammad expressed growing concerns over irregular migration, noting its significant impact on local and regional economies and potential threats to international security. He pointed out the exploitation of irregular migration routes by criminals and terrorists, further complicating the migration crisis.
The Prime Minister also drew attention to the link between irregular migration and human trafficking, with migrants often falling victim to severe human rights abuses, including enslavement, sexual exploitation, and enforced disappearances, during their journey.
In response, Libyan military and security forces, under the direction of the Libyan National Army’s General Command and Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, have taken significant actions in border cities. These measures focus on dismantling human trafficking networks and assisting a large number of irregular migrants in returning safely to their home countries.
This conference serves as a vital forum for dialogue and cooperation on migration issues, showcasing Libya’s active role in confronting this global challenge and its commitment to regional stability and human rights.
Libya has become a key transit and destination point for migrants due to its lengthy Mediterranean coastline and porous borders. The ongoing conflict since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011 has led to widespread lawlessness in many areas, creating an environment conducive to smuggling networks and human traffickers.
The country’s strategic location as a gateway for migrants from Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East seeking to reach Europe exacerbates the situation. The absence of a stable central government in Libya has impeded the development of effective migration policies and the enforcement of laws against smuggling and trafficking.