Highlights
171 Senegalese migrants, including one medical case, were repatriated to Senegal. Of the group, 161 had spent several months in detention centres.
On 24-25 May, IOM, together with UNHCR, coordinated a technical workshop and coordination meeting for Libyan partners, including the coastguards, on saving lives at sea.
Between 22 and 28 May, IOM helped some 3,600 migrants and refugees intercepted at sea by Libyan authorities in rescue operations near Al Zawyia and Sabratha.
IOM Libya launched a Twitter account, see @IOM_Libya.
Situation Overview
As the Libyan crisis continues, May has seen unrest in Tripoli as a result of the ongoing liquidity crisis. An influx of Russia printed Libyan Dinars, resulting in two currencies, has raised concern regarding the country’s unity. Furthermore, clashes and military operations against the Islamic State has led to a large number of displaced people, particularly in Sirte, stretching the already strained capacity of local communities.
In addition, the warmer weather has contributed to a radical increase in the number of maritime incidents off Libyan coasts, making May the deadliest month to date this year, with 1,086 migrants reported as dead or missing as of 30 May. Between 22 and 28 May alone, over 3,600 migrants were rescued and brought back to shore in Libya. The migrants were transferred to detention centres in Al Zawiya, Abu Eissa and Shuhada’ Al Nasr, which are currently severely over capacity. The lack of capacity extends not only to the provision of services and assistance to migrants, but also to the proper management of the bodies retrieved from the shipwrecks. The Libyan Red Crescent (LRC) is unable to meet the demand, especially dead body management (transportation, storage, burial) and LRC Al Zawiya branch has announced the suspension of all its services related to migrants.
IOM Libya’s Chief of Mission Othman Belbeisi visited the Abu Saleem Detention Centre on 19 May, during an inter-agency mission led by SRSG for Libya Martin Kobler. The visit provided the officials with an opportunity to witness the conditions in which irregular migrants are being held. In this context, the IOM CoM reiterate the need for alternatives to detention and for a comprehensive migration strategy for Libya.