Libya calls for integrated approach to combating irregular migration from Africa to Europe
Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - Libya's Minister of Labour and Rehabilitation, Ali al-Abed, has stressed that Libya is facing major challenges due to the influx of migrants, which is putting increasing pressure on the country's limited resources and infrastructure.
He called for the need to adopt a comprehensive and integrated approach to combating irregular migration from Africa to Europe, focusing on the root causes that drive migrants to leave their home countries in search of a better life elsewhere.
This was stated in a speech delivered by Mr. al-Abed at the second ministerial meeting of the Khartoum Process, held in the Egyptian capital, Cairo.
This process comprises 40 Member States, including the European Union, Switzerland and Norway, as well as countries from the Horn of Africa and East Africa, and the Commissions of the African Union and the European Union, as well as a number of international organisations concerned with migration issues, according to a Libyan ministry press release issued on Thursday.
The Khartoum process concerns coordination and consultation on issues relating to migration from East African countries to the countries of the European Union, the press release said, adding that Libya officially joined this conclave in 2015.
The Minister eaffirmed Libya's commitment to its humanitarian and legal responsibilities and its efforts to establish balanced policies based on common interests and international relations.
He presented Libya's vision for addressing the phenomenon of migration, which is by promoting sustainable development in countries of origin, improving the education and health sectors, and confronting conflict and instability. He called forr increased international coordination and joint cooperation, particularly in the fight against human trafficking and migrant smuggling.
The Khartoum Process was launched at a ministerial conference held in Rome, Italy, in November 2014, with the aim of strengthening cooperation in the fight against human trafficking and migrant smuggling.
The mandate of this process was subsequently expanded to include issues of irregular migration, the risks associated with cross-border migration flows and support for legal channels of migration and sustainable development.
During the meeting, the most notable achievements of the Member States were reviewed, including the role of the government of national unity in Libya in strengthening cooperation with the European Union in the fight against illegal immigration and the implementation of programmes for the voluntary return of migrants to their countries of origin.
The meeting also assessed the progress made since the launch of the programme in 2014 and identified priorities for the next phase, which focuses on combating human trafficking and migrant smuggling, addressing the root causes of displacement and strengthening development and peace efforts in the countries of origin of migration.
-0- PANA BY/JSG/SOC/BBA/MA 11April2025
