The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has successfully facilitated the voluntary humanitarian return of 143 Bangladeshi migrants from Misrata, Libya to Dhaka, Bangladesh.
This operation, carried out last week, is part of IOM’s ongoing efforts to support migrants stranded in Libya through safe and dignified return and reintegration processes.
The return initiative was made possible with funding and assistance from the European Union’s Migrant Protection, Return and Reintegration programme in North Africa.
Through such operations, IOM continues to assist vulnerable migrants in Libya by providing not only return options, but also post-arrival reintegration support in their home countries.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations.
Libya’s economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya’s economy.
The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions.
The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition.
Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges.
