Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 January 2019
80. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the EU migration policy particularly in respect of Libya; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3974/19]
View answerIn June, the European Council reconfirmed that a functioning EU policy on migration requires a comprehensive approach which combines effective controls of the EU's external borders, action to strengthen co-operation with countries of transit and origin and dealing with the management of migrants within the European Union, where a balance of solidarity and responsibility is needed.
Solving the migration crisis will ultimately require deeper political, economic and development relationships between the EU and neighbouring countries, including many in Africa, that will form a basis for dealing with a variety of challenges on the basis of shared responsibility.
The EU is very conscious that Libya is a major transit country for migrants and refugees. We are also aware, and deeply troubled, by the grave human rights abuses that these migrants and refugees frequently suffer there. The Taoiseach highlighted these concerns when Libya was last discussed at the European Council.
At the Foreign Affairs Council in December, my EU counterparts and I adopted Council Conclusions on Libya, committing to continue our work with the Libyan authorities to improve conditions for migrants and refugees, by ensuring aid reaches those in need of protection, and with a view to overcoming the current system of detention.
The EU has mobilised €286 million for migration-related projects in Libya since 2014. The majority of this funding comes from the EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa, and is dedicated to providing protection, assistance and alternatives to migrants in Libya. This funding also provides support for migrants at disembarkation points, inside and outside detention centres, or in host communities. These projects are implemented on the ground by international partners, including the International Organisation for Migration, IOM, and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, UNHCR, or by EU Member States.
Ireland is committed to tackling the root causes of migration and will provide a total of €15 million over the period 2016-20 to the EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa. The Trust Fund helps to address the root causes of migration generally, as well as providing protection and assistance to migrants and refugees in Libya. The EU also provides training (including on human rights and gender issues) and other support to Libyan authorities, to enhance Libya’s border management capacities.
Libyan detention centres are a focus of credible allegations of abuse and, at the very least, lack appropriate oversight. Alternatives to detention centres need to be established, in particular for vulnerable migrants, and Ireland calls on the Libyan authorities to continue to work with the relevant international organisations to make this possible.
Regrettably, political fragmentation and the fragile security situation in Libya limit the capacity of the international community to end abuses, since the internationally-recognised Libyan authorities, with whom the EU can work, may not have the capacity to affect this. There is a governance vacuum in many areas of the country, and access for international organisations seeking to monitor and alleviate conditions for migrants is restricted in many areas. Bringing real improvements to the lives of Libyans and migrants, and ensuring an end to human rights abuses, will require restoration of political stability, and a fully functioning and unified government. The EU will continue to work with the UN and others to support and reinforce Libya's sovereign institutions.
