UN urges Libya, EU to protect migrants crossing Mediterranean Sea
(VOVWORLD) - The UN on Wednesday urged Libya and EU countries to act to protect migrants making dangerous crossings of the Mediterranean Sea, saying they are losing their human rights, their dignity, and their lives.
 Migrants and refugees are rescued by Spanish rescuers off the coast of Libya on November 11, 2020 (Photo: DPA/VNA) |
According to a report by the UN High Commissioner’s Office on Human Rights (UNHRO), current search and rescue operations in the Mediterranean do not prioritize the lives, safety, or human rights of migrants. The report said Libya is not a safe destination for migrants rescued at sea, adding that current search and rescue policies and practices encourage abuse of the migrants rather than putting an end to migration.