Euro-Med Monitor At HRC: Reinforcing Technical Cooperation In Libya Can Save Migrants, Asylum Seekers' Lives

Geneva – Reinforcing technical cooperation can be beneficial in some countries, but it is critical in Libya, as such efforts can help save the lives of many migrants and asylum seekers, Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor and IRDG said in a joint oral statement at the Human Rights Council's 50th session.

Migrants and asylum seekers are subjected to countless violations in Libya, but part of these violations can be limited by activating and strengthening technical cooperation with the authorities and civil organizations in Libya.

Anas Jerjawi, Chief Operations Officer of Euro-Med Monitor, explained that "Improving the situation of migrants and asylum seekers in Libya is possible through providing specialized assistance on two levels: first, by building the capacities of national bodies and relevant civil institutions. Second, by legally empowering migrants and asylum seekers and providing them with the necessary assistance during detention without subjecting them to official harassment."

The statement said that it is the responsibility of the relevant UN bodies to reinforce governmental institutions' and civil organizations' capacities in Libya in terms of respecting the rights of migrants and asylum seekers.

This can be accomplished by launching capacity-building activities, awareness-raising initiatives, and advisory services that can limit violations, the statement added.

Given the scale and impact of these violations, Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor and IRDG stressed in their statement the importance of reinforcing technical cooperation with the Libyan authorities to develop the oversight of detention centers, establish independent accountability mechanisms to end impunity, and create a competent body to harmonize national laws with international human rights standards.

In December 2021, Euro-Med Monitor released a detailed report that documented the grave violations that migrants and asylum seekers face in Libya. These violations amount to jeopardizing migrants and asylum seekers' lives and physical and psychological integrity, given Libyan authorities' illegal practices, whether during push-backs or in prisons and detention centers.

The report concluded that migrants and asylum seekers in Libya are subjected to a complemented system of exploitation and persecution at the hands of smuggling gangs and the Libyan authorities, who detain them in inhumane conditions and practice all forms of violations against them, including demanding them money or service work in exchange for their freedom.

The full text of the statement:

Mr. President,

Reinforcing technical cooperation can be beneficial in some countries, but it is critical in Libya, as such efforts can help save the lives of many migrants and asylum seekers.

The persecuted suffer horrific violations beyond count, but they can be limited by providing specialized assistance on two levels: first, by building the capacities of national bodies and relevant civil institutions. Second, by legally empowering migrants and asylum seekers and providing them with the necessary assistance during detention without subjecting them to official harassment.

It is the responsibility of the relevant UN bodies to reinforce governmental institutions' and civil organizations' capacities in Libya in terms of respecting the rights of migrants and asylum seekers. This can be accomplished by launching capacity-building activities, awareness-raising initiatives, and advisory services that can limit violations.

Given the scale and impact of these violations, Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor and IRDG stress the importance of reinforcing technical cooperation with the Libyan authorities to develop the oversight of detention centers, establish independent accountability mechanisms to end impunity, and create a competent body to harmonize national laws with international human rights standards.

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