Immigration Route Through Libya Deemed Most Dangerous in North Africa
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) Director-General, Amy Pope, emphasizes that Libya poses significant risks to immigrants and asylum seekers due to severe abuses.
Migrants face major challenges in Libya, including kidnapping and torture.
Pope notes that the majority of deaths recorded in the Mediterranean were of migrants departing from Libya, making this route to Europe the most dangerous. Reports of migrants being kidnapped for ransom by armed groups and smuggling networks, as well as widespread abuse and violence inside Libya, are also prevalent.
- Kidnapping and torture by smugglers and armed groups are common.
- Majority of Mediterranean deaths involve migrants from Libya.
- Armed groups and smuggling networks kidnap migrants for ransom.
Amy Pope:
I have personally heard many stories from migrants who were kidnapped by non-state actors in Libya and held for ransom, where they suffered serious violations.
Author's summary: Libya's immigration route is the most dangerous in North Africa due to kidnapping and torture.