NGO rescues off Libya encourage traffickers, says EU borders chief – The Guardian
People trying to cross the Mediterranean are rescued by a Maltese NGO and the Italian Red Cross off the Libyan coast. Photograph: Andreas Solaro/AFP/Getty Images
NGOs who rescue people in the sea off Libya are encouraging the traffickers who profit from dangerous Mediterranean crossings, the head of the EU border agency Frontex has said.
Speaking to Germanys Die Welt newspaper, Fabrice Leggeri called for rescue operations to be re-evaluated and accused NGOs of ineffectively cooperating with security agencies against human traffickers.
Reopening a row with charities and leftwing groups, Leggeri said 40% of recent rescue operations at sea off the north African country were carried out by non-government organisations, making it impossible to check the origins of the migrants or their smuggling routes if the NGOs did not cooperate.
Luise Amstberg, refugee spokeswoman for the Greens in the German parliament, denounced Leggeris comments. The number of dead would be much higher without the tireless commitment of non-governmental organisations so we are indebted to these organisations, she said.
A spokesman for Mdecins Sans Frontires (MSF) said there was no evidence of a lack of cooperation.
In his interview, Leggeri said that under maritime law everyone at sea had a duty to rescue vessels and people in distress. But we must avoid supporting the business of criminal networks and traffickers in Libya through European vessels picking up migrants ever closer to the Libyan coast.
This leads traffickers to force even more migrants on to unseaworthy boats with insufficient water and fuel than in previous years.
He also claimed some NGOs cooperate poorly with EU security agencies, which makes it more difficult ... to gain information on trafficking networks through interviews with migrants and to open police investigations.
MSF labelled the charges extremely serious and damaging and said its humanitarian action was not the cause but a response to the crisis.
The UN has said nightmarish conditions in Libya are helping to drive a surge in the numbers of migrants attempting to reach Italy in the depths of winter.
European efforts to close the route are also thought to be behind a 30-40% increase in the number of mainly African migrants who have landed at Italian ports in the first two months of this year, compared with the same period in 2015 and 2016.
More than 2,700 people have been rescued in recent days, including a newborn delivered on a Norwegian police vessel, lifting the total arrivals for January and February above 12,000.
Also speaking to Die Welt, the new president of the European parliament, Antonio Tajani, proposed the EU should set up reception centres for asylum seekers in Libya, taking over the role currently played by smugglers and the state.
Tajani warned that unless Europe acts now 20 million African people will come to Europe over the next few years.
The proposed Libyan detention centres should not become concentration camps but should have adequate equipment to ensure refugees live in dignified conditions with access to sufficient medical care, Tajani added.
Conditions in more than 30 existing detention centres, both those run illegally by smugglers and by militias nominally on behalf of the Libyan ministry of justice, violate human rights conditions, the EU has said.
A leaked report from the EU external action service describes Libyan border management as in a state of complete disarray and unable to combat smuggling, adding smuggling is a low risk, high value source of income for organised crime.
Echoing the report, Leggeri added: There is no stable state. At present, we have virtually no contact at the operational level in order to promote effective border protection. We are now helping to train 60 officers of a possibly future Libyan coastguard. But this is at most a beginning.
He said work to train a Libyan coastguard to operate inside Libyan waters had only just begun. Overseas vessels are forbidden from operating in Libyan waters, and cannot send back refugees rescued in international waters.
See more here:
NGO rescues off Libya encourage traffickers, says EU borders chief - The Guardian
- Nicolas Sarkozy Goes on Trial on Charges of Illegal Campaign Funding From Libya - The New York Times - January 11th, 2025 [January 11th, 2025]
- Libya is now the launchpad for Russias renewed ambitions - Arab News - January 11th, 2025 [January 11th, 2025]
- France's Sarkozy tells trial he never received campaign funding from Libya - Euronews - January 11th, 2025 [January 11th, 2025]
- The Unintended Consequences of US Intervention in Libya - The Daily Economy - January 11th, 2025 [January 11th, 2025]
- Libya: Weak Core, Strong Core, for the end of Disorder in the Maghreb - Morocco World News - January 11th, 2025 [January 11th, 2025]
- Lessons from Iraq, Libya, and Syria: Resistance, Betrayal, and Collapse - CounterPunch - January 11th, 2025 [January 11th, 2025]
- Sudan Situation: Sudanese Refugees and Asylum-Seekers in Libya (as of 05 Jan 2025) - ReliefWeb - January 11th, 2025 [January 11th, 2025]
- Libya Energy & Economic Summit 2025 will be held in Tripoli from 18-19 January - Libya Herald - January 11th, 2025 [January 11th, 2025]
- Frances Sarkozy stands trial on alleged Libya funding: What we know - Al-Monitor - January 11th, 2025 [January 11th, 2025]
- Nicolas Sarkozy goes on trial on charges of illegal campaign funding from Libya - Deccan Herald - January 11th, 2025 [January 11th, 2025]
- France's former President Sarkozy standing trial over alleged campaign funding by Libya's Gadhafi - The Associated Press - January 6th, 2025 [January 6th, 2025]
- Russia is shifting military gear from Syria to Libya after the fall of Assad, Ukraine says - Business Insider - January 6th, 2025 [January 6th, 2025]
- Russia is making a fragile pivot from Syria to Libya. The West should beware falling into a new trap. - Atlantic Council - January 6th, 2025 [January 6th, 2025]
- Report: Russian Ships Heading to Syria to Move Equipment to Libya - The Maritime Executive - January 6th, 2025 [January 6th, 2025]
- Russia Is Moving Military Resources From Syria To Libya Will Europe Respond? - EA WorldView - January 6th, 2025 [January 6th, 2025]
- Libya Weather Forecast, Monday, January 06, 2025 - The Libya Observer - January 6th, 2025 [January 6th, 2025]
- Land Equipment Will Be Shipped to Libya But What russia's Going to Do About Su-34s and Su-25s Left in Syria - Defense Express - January 6th, 2025 [January 6th, 2025]
- Syrias challenges are even greater than those Libya faced in 2011 - Chatham House - December 20th, 2024 [December 20th, 2024]
- Libya's warring factions agree to form unity government to end deadlock - Africanews English - December 20th, 2024 [December 20th, 2024]
- Remarks by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield at a UN Security Council Briefing on Libya - United States Mission to the United Nations - December 20th, 2024 [December 20th, 2024]
- Exclusive | Russia Withdraws Air-Defense Systems, Other Advanced Weaponry From Syria to Libya - The Wall Street Journal - December 20th, 2024 [December 20th, 2024]
- LBC organising a trade delegation to Romes Libyan Italian Business Forum in February 2025 - Libya Herald - December 20th, 2024 [December 20th, 2024]
- UN announces plan to address political impasse, overdue elections in Libya - Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs - December 20th, 2024 [December 20th, 2024]
- Fallout of Assads ouster in Syria ripples down the Mediterranean to Libya - Yahoo News UK - December 20th, 2024 [December 20th, 2024]
- Libya: The International Rescue Committee (IRC) urges scaled-up support to Sudanese refugees amid growing numbers and escalating needs - Social News... - December 20th, 2024 [December 20th, 2024]
- Closely following situation of Indian workers in Libya: Ministry of External Affairs - The Hindu - December 20th, 2024 [December 20th, 2024]
- Libya parties hold talks in Morocco to resolve divisions - Middle East Monitor - December 20th, 2024 [December 20th, 2024]
- After Fleeing Syria, russia Will Try to Take Foothold in Libya Where the 3rd Civil War Can Break Out Any Moment - Defense Express - December 20th, 2024 [December 20th, 2024]
- Russia withdraws air defense systems and other weaponry from Syria to Libya - RBC-Ukraine - December 20th, 2024 [December 20th, 2024]
- Can Syria avoid becoming another Libya or Iraq? A week after Assads fall, here are 3 possible futures - The Conversation Canada - December 18th, 2024 [December 18th, 2024]
- UN announces initiative to overcome political deadlock in Libya - The Associated Press - December 18th, 2024 [December 18th, 2024]
- Libya Economic Monitor : Stabilizing Growth and Boosting Productivity (Fall 2024) [EN/AR] - ReliefWeb - December 18th, 2024 [December 18th, 2024]
- Libyan Air Ambulance announces receipt of two Bell 429 helicopters - Libya Herald - December 18th, 2024 [December 18th, 2024]
- UN announces initiative to overcome political deadlock in Libya - OODA Loop - December 18th, 2024 [December 18th, 2024]
- AU, Government of Rwanda and UNHCR in joint rescue of asylum seekers and refugees in Libya - African Union - December 18th, 2024 [December 18th, 2024]
- Russia Moves Air-Defense Systems, Other Advanced Weaponry From Syria to Libya - MSN - December 18th, 2024 [December 18th, 2024]
- EU hosts Berlin Process Economic Working Group Co-Chairs in Tripoli: Economic stability and a unified budget discussed - Libya Herald - December 18th, 2024 [December 18th, 2024]
- UN announces initiative to overcome political deadlock in Libya - wnky.com - December 18th, 2024 [December 18th, 2024]
- Libyas oil, gas and condensate production continues to rise: NOC - Libya Herald - December 18th, 2024 [December 18th, 2024]
- Planning Ministry and USAID sign agreement to strengthen Libyas planning and development frameworks - Libya Herald - December 12th, 2024 [December 12th, 2024]
- After Assad: Iran's path in Syria and the lessons of Libya - IranWire | - December 12th, 2024 [December 12th, 2024]
- Family of murdered photojournalist Anton Hammerl bring case against Libya before United Nations Human Rights Committee - Doughty Street Chambers - December 12th, 2024 [December 12th, 2024]
- The Northwestern Regions of Libya Affected by Severe Weather Event on 5 & 6 December 2024 - World Meteorological Organization WMO - December 12th, 2024 [December 12th, 2024]
- Why Is Russia Expanding Its Military Presence In Libya? OpEd - Eurasia Review - December 12th, 2024 [December 12th, 2024]
- Restrictions on 1,800 Libyan bank accounts in Malta lifted another bank to follow soon - Libya Herald - December 12th, 2024 [December 12th, 2024]
- Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa: Libya - Flash update #1 - Floods (As of 10 December 2024) - ReliefWeb - December 12th, 2024 [December 12th, 2024]
- Russia, facing loss of Syrian base for Africa operations, seen turning to war-torn Sudan or divided Libya - bne IntelliNews - December 12th, 2024 [December 12th, 2024]
- Libya announces the launch of the National Water Security Strategy formulation process - UNDP - December 12th, 2024 [December 12th, 2024]
- Ministry of Interior holds second meeting with the Mini Dublin Group to enhance security cooperation - Libya Herald - December 12th, 2024 [December 12th, 2024]
- Use of card and e-payments on the increase helping to resolve Libyas bank cash liquidity problem - Libya Herald - December 12th, 2024 [December 12th, 2024]
- Libyan Express receives its new Boeing 737 at Tripolis Mitiga airport - Libya Herald - December 12th, 2024 [December 12th, 2024]
- Libya and Japan to form joint technical committee to prepare enhanced industrial cooperation work programme - Libya Herald - December 12th, 2024 [December 12th, 2024]
- LBC participates in the Libyan French Oil and Gas Forum in Tunis - Libya Herald - December 12th, 2024 [December 12th, 2024]
- Libya to Offer 22 New Oil and Gas Blocks in Upcoming Public Tender - Energy Capital & Power - December 12th, 2024 [December 12th, 2024]
- 37 young men held hostage in Libya after being lured to Italy - Prothom Alo English - December 12th, 2024 [December 12th, 2024]
- Libya: Elections Are Only Solution to the Situation in the Country (Head of GNU) - AL24 News - December 12th, 2024 [December 12th, 2024]
- Libya signs contract with UAE for gene therapy treatment of children with spinal muscular atrophy - Libya Herald - December 8th, 2024 [December 8th, 2024]
- Egypts exports to Libya reach $1.25B in first 8 months of 2024 - Egypt Today - December 8th, 2024 [December 8th, 2024]
- Libya signs economic cooperation agreement with Tunisian think tank IACE - Libya Herald - December 8th, 2024 [December 8th, 2024]
- Libyas crude oil and condensate production exceeds 2024 target by 22,000 barrels: NOC - Libya Herald - December 8th, 2024 [December 8th, 2024]
- Libya's Berniq Airways takes delivery of first A330-200 - ch-aviation - December 8th, 2024 [December 8th, 2024]
- Libya signs health Cooperation Protocol with Japan - Libya Herald - December 8th, 2024 [December 8th, 2024]
- Spanish Embassy to hold a Flamenco concert in Tripoli at the former Kings Palace - Libya Herald - December 8th, 2024 [December 8th, 2024]
- Aldabaiba to support increased oil and gas production through development projects - 22 new exploration plots to be tendered - Libya Herald - December 8th, 2024 [December 8th, 2024]
- FRANCE 24 in Libya: Rebuilding Murzuq and Sebha after years of war - FRANCE 24 English - December 5th, 2024 [December 5th, 2024]
- Over 160 Somali Migrants Assisted to Return Home from Libya - EEAS - December 5th, 2024 [December 5th, 2024]
- Financial Officer in Medical Supply Organisation detained for wrongly spending LD 1.5 billion - Libya Herald - December 5th, 2024 [December 5th, 2024]
- Libya's coast guard has intercepted and returned nearly 21,000 migrants in 2024 - InfoMigrants - December 5th, 2024 [December 5th, 2024]
- Tripoli Transport Minister seeking to activate Transit Roads to Niger and Sudan - Libya Herald - December 5th, 2024 [December 5th, 2024]
- OPEC Raises Oil Production Thanks To Libya's Contributions - Finimize - December 5th, 2024 [December 5th, 2024]
- NOC discusses with international oil companies the expansion of their investments in Libya - Libya Herald - December 5th, 2024 [December 5th, 2024]
- Libyan and Russian ministries of health sign cooperation agreement in development, training and experience exchange - Libya Herald - December 5th, 2024 [December 5th, 2024]
- Libyas total oil production increases by another 5,377 bpd: NOC - Libya Herald - December 5th, 2024 [December 5th, 2024]
- UNSMIL to facilitate inclusive youth political dialogue in Tripoli on 11 December - Libya Herald - December 5th, 2024 [December 5th, 2024]
- Libya will launch licensing round soon after 17-year hiatus - Upstream Online - December 5th, 2024 [December 5th, 2024]
- Libyas oil production exceeds 1.4 million barrels per day the highest since 2013 - Libya Herald - December 5th, 2024 [December 5th, 2024]
- Royal Marines medics train personnel in Libya for first time in ten years - Royal Navy - December 5th, 2024 [December 5th, 2024]
- Armed men in speedboats make off with women and children when a migrants' dinghy deflates off Libya - Yahoo! Voices - November 30th, 2024 [November 30th, 2024]
- The International Exhibition of Traffic Safety and Security Equipment: Benghazi 18 to 20 January - Libya Herald - November 30th, 2024 [November 30th, 2024]
- Sands of Time: Unraveling 8,000 Years of Human History in Libya - SciTechDaily - November 28th, 2024 [November 28th, 2024]