Libya cruelty behind risky Mediterranean migrant crossings

NOVANEWS
Migrants stand next to Tunisian security forces in the southeastern port of Zarzis on April 25, 2015, after they were rescued by fishermen when their boat got into difficulties while trying to sail from Libya to Europe. © AFP
Migrants stand next to Tunisian security forces in the southeastern port of Zarzis on April 25, 2015, after they were rescued by fishermen when their boat got into difficulties while trying to sail from Libya to Europe. 
Migrants in Libya have been exposed to “cruelty” and abuse, forcing many to traverse the perilous Mediterranean crossings in their quest to reach a safe haven in Europe, Amnesty International says.
“The ghastly conditions for migrants, coupled with spiraling lawlessness and armed conflicts raging within the country, make clear just how dangerous life in Libya is today,” said Philip Luther, Amnesty director for the Middle East and North Africa on Monday.
Libya has long been a stepping stone for Africans seeking a better life in Europe. People fleeing the conflict in Syria have also added to the number of migrants in Libya attempting to reach Europe.
Libya plunged into chaos following the 2011 uprising that toppled longtime dictator, Muammar Gaddafi. The ouster of Gaddafi gave rise to a patchwork of heavily-armed militias and deep political divisions.

Migrants stand next to Tunisian security forces in the southeastern port of Zarzis on April 25, 2015, after they were rescued by fishermen when their boat got into difficulties while trying to sail from Libya to Europe.

People smugglers and traffickers have sought to take advantage of the chaos in the North African country.
“With no legal avenues to escape and seek safety they are forced to place their lives in the hands of smugglers who callously extort, abuse and attack them,” Luther said.
He further called on the European Union (EU) to deploy more rescue vessels in the Mediterranean Sea while tackling smugglers at the same time.
“Introducing measures to tackle smugglers without providing safe alternativeroutes out for the people desperate to flee conflict in Libya, will not resolve the plight of migrants and refugees,” he said.
Amnesty further urged Tunisia and Egypt to ease border restrictions with Libya, in order to provide migrants with a haven.
The report by the rights group comes amid several cases of migrant tragedy in the Mediterranean Sea.
Earlier in April, UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said that at least 700 people were feared dead after a ship smuggling migrants capsized in the Mediterranean Sea.
UNHCR spokeswoman Carlotta Sami said that only 28 people survived the incident, which took place on April 16.
According to survivors, the fishing boat had been carrying more than 700 people. The survivors were rescued after a helicopter saw them floating in the sea.
The rights group also criticized Libya’s policy of locking up illegal migrants in detention centers where conditions are “deplorable.”
According to Libyan officials, some 7,000 illegal migrants are being held in 16 detention centers across the country awaiting deportation.

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