Thirty international organizations are demanding the EU to suspend funding to Libya after a mass grave of migrants was discovered. They argue that EU funds have not improved the human rights situation, noting that similar reviews of funding agreements have been initiated for Tunisia. Instead, they advocate for reallocation of funds to enhance safe pathways for migrants fleeing perilous conditions in Libya.
On Tuesday, thirty international organizations urged the European Union (EU) to halt funding to Libya, following the recent discovery of a mass grave in the southeast of the country. Prominent organizations like Human Rights Watch and Sea-Watch emphasized that EU funding in Libya has not addressed human rights risks, highlighting the findings of a previous report by the European Court of Auditors.
The organizations pointed out that the European Commission has already initiated a review of funding agreements with Tunisia due to human rights concerns. They argue that similar action is necessary for Libya, given the ongoing human rights violations in the region.
It was noted that EU and member state funding, particularly from Italy and France, has failed to improve living conditions for migrants seeking safety in Libya. Instead, these funds should be redirected to initiatives that prioritize saving lives and facilitating safer migration routes for those fleeing the country.
Recent announcements from Libya’s Attorney General revealed that the bodies of numerous migrants were discovered in a mass grave near an illegal detention center in the Al-Kufra area. This incident underscores the dire circumstances faced by migrants in Libya, further supporting the call for a reevaluation of EU funding policies.
The call from thirty international organizations for the EU to freeze funding to Libya highlights serious concerns regarding human rights abuses and the effectiveness of such financial support. The recent discovery of a mass grave reiterates the urgent need for a reassessment of how funds are utilized, with a proposed shift towards humanitarian efforts that ensure safer options for migrants. It emphasizes that the current funding approach has not yielded the desired outcomes in addressing the humanitarian crisis in Libya.
Original Source: libyaobserver.ly
