In a bid to address the ongoing challenge of irregular migration, Libya hosted the Trans-Mediterranean Migration Forum on Wednesday.
Representatives from 28 European and African countries convened to establish a “strategic” partnership to tackle this complex issue.
Libyan Prime Minister Abdelhamid Dbeibah, during the forum’s opening address, emphasized the “moral responsibility” towards migrants, primarily from sub-Saharan Africa, undertaking perilous journeys across the Mediterranean Sea to Europe.
He highlighted the need for development projects in origin countries, stating, “We can only resolve the migration crisis at the root, in the countries of departure.”
Libya’s geographical proximity to Europe makes it a frequent departure point for these migrants. However, with the European Union’s stricter approach to irregular migration, many migrants find themselves stranded in Libya and neighboring North African nations.
Dbeibah acknowledged Libya’s difficult position, caught between Europe’s border restrictions and the migrants’ desire to reach Europe.
The forum also addressed the exploitative practices surrounding irregular migration. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned “human trafficking,” calling it “one of the world’s most powerful criminal networks.”
She emphasized that these criminal organizations “decide who has the right or not to live in our countries” and declared “illegal migration is the enemy of legal migration.”
The conference comes amidst rising tensions. Last week, Libyan authorities reported that up to 80% of foreigners in the country lacked proper documentation.
Interior Minister Imad Trabelsi stressed the urgency of finding a solution, stating,”It’s time to resolve this problem…Libya cannot continue to pay its price.”
Libya’s ongoing struggle to recover from years of conflict creates fertile ground for human traffickers. Rights groups have criticized the country’s handling of migrants and refugees, with accusations ranging from extortion to slavery.
The forum serves as a critical step towards addressing the multifaceted issue of irregular migration. Finding a comprehensive solution will require a collective effort from European and African nations, alongside tackling the root causes driving migration at its source.
