The European Union Ambassador to Libya, Nicola Orlando, recently held a meeting with Major General Saddam Haftar, the Chief of Staff of the Libyan Ground Forces of the Libyan National Army (LNA).
Ambassador Orlando described the meeting as productive, focusing on enhancing cooperation in response to the Derna flood that occurred last September.
The discussions included reviewing the outcomes of the EU technical mission on migration and border management.
Both parties underscored the importance of collaboration in critical areas such as saving lives at sea and in the desert, combating human trafficking, and strengthening the capacities of law enforcement agencies.
Orlando praised Haftar’s role in removing obstacles for NGOs working on mine clearance. This support will enable these organizations to continue their vital work in eastern Libya. He expressed his gratitude for Haftar’s assistance in this regard.
In June, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) announced that it has voluntarily repatriated 80,000 irregular migrants from Libya to their home countries. This initiative is part of the IOM’s voluntary return program.
According to a statement from the organization, “Since 2015, the IOM has assisted 80,000 migrants in returning safely and with dignity from Libya to their countries of origin through the Voluntary Humanitarian Return program.”
“This initiative has provided a critical lifeline for stranded migrants from over 49 different nationalities across Africa and Asia who wish to return home and rebuild their lives.”
The statement added that among those helped by the program were 2,733 victims of trafficking, 843 unaccompanied or separated children, and 5,144 individuals with medical needs.
Tauhid Pasha, the acting head of the IOM mission in Libya, stated that the IOM staff in Libya work around the clock to assist vulnerable migrants in urgent need of protection. He emphasized the importance of enabling migrants to make informed decisions and ensuring their right to return home. The Voluntary Humanitarian Return program offers hope in the face of severe hardships.
The Voluntary Humanitarian Return program, managed by the IOM, arranges the return of stranded irregular migrants in Libya to their home countries.
