The Acting minister of Foreign Affairs of the Government of National Unity, Al-Tahir Al-Baour, stressed his country’s need for the assistance of the international community to address the illegal migration crisis, noting that Libya constitutes a major starting point for migrants heading to Italy.
Al-Baour’s statements came during an interview with “Nova Agency” on the sidelines of the Mediterranean Dialogues in Rome, were he blamed the absence of a unified strategy from the European Union in addressing this phenomenon.
Al-Baour stressed the need to provide Libya with the necessary resources, including electronic equipment to protect borders, and to develop more effective agreements to eliminate illegal immigration controlled by human trafficking networks.
Al-Baour praised the cooperation with Italy, describing it as “decisive” to confront this common challenge, stressing that Libya had adopted two approaches: Rejection and voluntary return of migrants while ensuring humanitarian assistance to them.
al-Baour also pointed out that the human rights violations to which migrants are exposed are committed by human smuggling networks outside the control of the state,noting the difficulty of confronting these violations given the weak security in Libya.
In another context, Al-Baour stressed that the success of the local elections that took place on November 16, which witnessed the participation of approximately 75% of those registered, sends a clear message about the necessity of holding parliamentary and presidential elections.
Source: Nova Agency
What are the main challenges Libya faces in managing illegal migration?
Interview with Al-Tahir Al-Baour: Addressing Libya’s Illegal Migration Crisis
Editor, Time.news: Thank you for joining us today, Minister Al-Baour. As the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Government of National Unity,you’ve addressed some pressing concerns regarding illegal migration. Can you elaborate on why Libya has become a critical starting point for migrants heading to Italy?
al-Tahir Al-Baour: Thank you for having me. Libya has historically been a transit country for migrants aspiring to reach Europe, notably Italy. This is largely due to our geographical location and long coastline. Regrettably, the ongoing challenges we face, including political instability and economic difficulties, have made it increasingly harder to manage this flow effectively.
Editor: You mentioned the need for international assistance during your interview with Nova Agency. What specific resources do you believe are essential for libya to tackle this migration crisis?
Al-Tahir Al-Baour: It is indeed crucial that we receive support from the international community, particularly in terms of technology and resources. we need electronic equipment to enhance border security and staffing to monitor and manage crossings. Furthermore, establishing robust agreements focused on dismantling the human trafficking networks is vital. These networks are exploiting the vulnerabilities of migrants and undermining our efforts.
Editor: You’ve criticized the European Union’s approach to migration. What evidence do you see that suggests a lack of a unified strategy?
Al-Tahir Al-Baour: the absence of a coordinated EU strategy is evident in the varying approaches individual member states take towards migration and border control. This inconsistency impedes our ability to form effective partnerships and implement solutions on the ground.We need a collective effort that addresses root causes and provides humanitarian support for migrants while safeguarding our borders.
Editor: Speaking of humanitarian support, can you explain the two approaches Libya has adopted regarding migration?
Al-Tahir Al-Baour: Certainly. We have implemented two key approaches: one is the rejection of irregular migration attempts, and the other encourages the voluntary return of migrants to their home countries. Importantly,we strive to ensure that,throughout this process,the fundamental rights of these individuals are respected and that they receive adequate humanitarian assistance.
Editor: You’ve pointed out the human rights violations migrants endure at the hands of smugglers.What does Libya need to do to combat this issue given its weak security situation?
Al-Tahir Al-Baour: combating human rights violations is challenging,especially with the current security landscape in Libya. We are working to strengthen our law enforcement and judicial systems to tackle the networks facilitating these violations. Though, the international community’s role in supporting our security capabilities is critical to enhance our control and reduce these heinous acts.
Editor: On a different note, you’ve recently spoken about local elections in Libya. What impact do these elections have on the broader context of governance and stability in the country?
Al-Tahir Al-Baour: The successful conduct of local elections, which saw around 75% voter participation, sends a strong message: there is a demand for democratic processes and governance. It reflects the public’s desire for a legitimate government and lays the groundwork for future parliamentary and presidential elections. Stability and advancement in Libya depend on consolidating these democratic principles.
Editor: Lastly, how can the international community support Libya in its migration challenges while fostering stability and democratic progress?
Al-Tahir al-Baour: The international community can play a significant role by offering both humanitarian aid and resources to enhance our border management capabilities. Additionally, backing our democratic processes through observation missions and support for credible elections will empower Libyans to build a stable governance structure that can effectively address not only migration but other pressing issues as well.
Editor: Thank you, Minister Al-baour, for your insights. We hope for a collaborative international approach to resolve these critical issues facing Libya and migrants alike.