The Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Government of National Unity, Al-Tahir Al-Baour, issued an appeal in which he called “for the assistance of the international community to address the migration crisis,” stressing that “Libya’s stability is a critical element for the security and development of the entire Mediterranean region.”
Al-Baour said, in an interview with the Italian “Nova Agency”, on the sidelines of the tenth edition of the Mediterranean Dialogues, “the international forum organized by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Institute of International Political Studies”: “The migration crisis is still affecting the region, and we need the help of the whole world to solve it.” “It needs coordinated financial and strategic resources between the countries located on the northern and southern shores of the Mediterranean.”
Al-Baour pointed out that “the main problem lies in the lack of a unified strategy on the part of the European Union to address the phenomenon of illegal immigration,” explaining that “the human rights violations that migrants suffer are committed by human trafficking networks outside the control of the state,” stressing “the need to A strategic and joint approach that includes countries of origin, transit and destination.”
Al-Baour praised cooperation with Italy, describing it as “decisive” to confront the migration crisis. He said: “We adopt two approaches: rejection and voluntary return of migrants to their countries of origin, while at the same time ensuring humanitarian assistance to those on our lands.”
Regarding the municipal council elections, Al-Baour said: “It was a very successful experience that demonstrated Libya’s ability to organise transparent electoral processes, and the success of the local elections that took place on November 16 sent a clear and unambiguous message to the Libyan people: The time has come to hold the long-awaited parliamentary and presidential elections.” Waiting for it,” adding: “We want parliamentary and presidential elections, and the government is ready for that.”
Al-Baour expressed his “appreciation for the historical support that Italy provided to Libya during the 2015-2020 crisis, recalling the decisive role of the Italian embassy, the only one that remained in Tripoli during that period.”
It is noteworthy that since the beginning of the year, at least 36,468 migrants have arrived in Italy from Libya.
Last updated: November 26, 2024 – 14:27
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How can international cooperation effectively address the challenges of migration in the region?
Interview: Addressing the Migration Crisis in the Mediterranean
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Welcome, everyone, to our special segment focusing on pressing global issues. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Elena Rossi, an expert in international relations and migration policy. Dr. Rossi, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Elena Rossi: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Interviewer: We’ve recently seen a significant appeal from Al-Tahir Al-Baour, Libya’s Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, who stressed the need for international assistance in addressing the migration crisis. What are your thoughts on his appeal?
Dr. Rossi: Minister Al-Baour’s call is timely and critical. The migration crisis has been exacerbated by various factors, including political instability, economic hardship, and environmental challenges in both Libya and its neighboring countries. His emphasis on the Mediterranean region’s overall security and development is also a crucial perspective—migration doesn’t solely affect the countries of origin; it has broader implications for the entire region.
Interviewer: Indeed, he mentioned that Libya’s stability is essential for the security of the Mediterranean. How do you interpret that statement?
Dr. Rossi: Libya acts as a gateway for many migrants traversing towards Europe. If Libya is unstable, it creates a ripple effect throughout the region, impacting neighboring countries and even European nations. When we talk about stability, we’re discussing a comprehensive approach that includes political dialog, socioeconomic development, and a strong commitment to human rights.
Interviewer: Al-Baour highlighted the necessity for coordinated financial and strategic resources between northern and southern Mediterranean countries. Why is this collaboration so crucial?
Dr. Rossi: Collaboration is essential because migration is a transnational issue; it cannot be resolved by any single country acting alone. It’s about creating a united front that addresses the root causes of migration—like poverty, conflict, and human rights abuses—while also ensuring that the humanitarian needs of migrants are met during their journey. A well-coordinated response can reduce the reliance on human trafficking networks that exploit vulnerable populations.
Interviewer: He also pointed out the lack of a unified strategy from the European Union regarding illegal immigration. What might a unified approach look like?
Dr. Rossi: A unified strategy would involve clear policies that not only regulate borders but also focus on comprehensive solutions. This means more than just enforcement; it includes regular pathways for migration, investments in the relevant countries to help build local economies, and programs that foster integration in host countries. Importantly, any strategy must prioritize human rights to protect migrants from the atrocities committed by traffickers.
Interviewer: Minister Al-Baour praised Italy’s cooperation in this matter. In your opinion, how can bilateral agreements between countries make a difference?
Dr. Rossi: Bilateral agreements, like those Italy has been working on with Libya, can set a precedent for collaborative efforts in managing migration flows. These agreements can facilitate the sharing of resources, intelligence on human trafficking, and create frameworks for legal migration. They can also enhance rescue operations at sea, ensuring that human rights are upheld throughout the migration journey.
Interviewer: As we wrap up, what do you see as the future of migration management in the Mediterranean region?
Dr. Rossi: If we adopt a holistic and collaborative approach, there’s potential for positive change. However, it requires genuine commitment from all stakeholders: governments, civil society, and international organizations. A sustainable solution will involve addressing the underlying issues of migration while ensuring the dignity and rights of all migrants are respected.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Rossi, for your insights into this critical issue. It’s clear that cooperation and unified strategies are vital as we navigate these challenging waters.
Dr. Rossi: Thank you for having me. It’s important we keep this conversation going.
Interviewer: And that concludes our segment. Stay tuned for more discussions on pressing global issues. Thank you for joining us.