The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) revealed that 6,989 migrants have been intercepted in the Mediterranean and returned by the Libyan Coast Guard, since the beginning of this year.
The Organisation said that most of these migrants end up in detention centres, while some remain missing. The IOM tweeted on Tuesday that 141 migrants were intercepted at sea between 4-9th of August and returned to Libya. It stressed the need for European action to end these forced returns to Libya urgently. On Tuesday, the German NGO, Sea Watch, and Doctors Without Borders announced that rescue operations, will resume this month.
The Italian Ambassador to Libya, Giuseppe Buccino, submitted a new proposal to the Government of National Accord (GNA), regarding the immigration memorandum between the two countries. This is part of mutual cooperation in the field of development, and the fight against illegal migration as well as smuggling operations.
The aim of the immigration memorandum between Italy and Libya is “to improve the situation of migrants in the short and medium terms, in order to gradually overcome the centres’ system.” The MoU also aims to strengthen the rule of law and protect the human rights of migrants.