Europe’s search and rescue bodies suspend contacts with Libyan counterpart
Summary
European search and rescue groups have stopped working with their Libyan counterpart due to concerns over how refugees and asylum seekers are treated. These groups have formed a new alliance called the Justice Fleet to focus on protecting human rights. The Libyan coastguard has been linked to many violent incidents at sea.Key Facts
- 13 European search and rescue organizations have formed a new alliance called the Justice Fleet.
- The alliance aims to protect human rights and follow international maritime law.
- European groups stopped communicating with Libya's Rescue Coordination Centre over human rights concerns.
- Libya's coastguard has been reported to have committed at least 60 violent incidents since 2016.
- Over 2,452 people died or went missing in the Mediterranean Sea last year.
- Libya is a main transit point for refugees heading to Europe, especially after Gaddafi's overthrow in 2011.
- The European Union has supported the Libyan coastguard with resources, despite accusations of its involvement in abuses.
- Rights groups have documented harsh treatment of refugees in Libya, including torture and extortion.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.