Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 November 2018
102. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on recent comments by an organisation (details supplied) that the EU migration policy is trapping thousands of refugees in appalling conditions in Libya; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48014/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn June, the European Council reconfirmed that a precondition for a functioning EU policy on migration relies on a comprehensive approach to migration which combines effective controls of the EU's external borders, external 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.
As part of this multi-faceted approach, the March European Council adopted the Malta Declaration which sets out the EU’s commitment to assist Libya. This broad-ranging commitment includes capacity building, training, and the provision of equipment and support for the Libyan national coast guard and other agencies. It also seeks to ensure that there are adequate reception capacities in Libya for migrants, through working with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). Progress has been made in alleviating the plight of migrants in Libya but this must be built upon. Since 2014, the EU has mobilised €286 million on migration projects in Libya, €20 million as bilateral assistance and €266 million through the EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa. Using the Trust Fund, the EU is working to provide multi-sectoral assistance and protection to migrants, refugees and host communities in different locations inside Libya, in particular inside detention centres, at disembarkation points and in urban settings. Assistance includes hygiene kits, basic non-food items and medical care. Funds are also being used to work towards the stabilisation of host communities, for example through socio-economic development at municipal level. Projects are being implemented by international partners on the ground, including the UNHCR and UNICEF, and by EU Member States. Ireland has pledged €15 million for the Fund, of which €12 million is unearmarked, and overall Ireland’s is the third highest per capita contribution by an EU Member State.
Support programmes have provided training to the Libyan authorities on international standards and human rights training. They have also focused on setting up mixed community development spaces and safe spaces as alternatives to detention centres. There has been progress in the efforts to support migrants stranded in Libya and wishing to return to their home countries. As an alternative to detention centres, the EU has also been supporting voluntary repatriation, voluntary return and the humanitarian return of migrants from Libya. So far in 2018, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has helped over 14,600 migrants to return voluntarily to their country of origin from Libya, with support from the EU.
While the EU has engaged substantially on this issue, further work remains to be done. I am deeply troubled by the persistent human rights abuse that have been perpetrated against migrants in Libyan detention centres, as reported by the UN Human Rights Office and others. I have raised these concerns at the Foreign Affairs Council and the Taoiseach has raised them at the European Council.
Ultimately, bringing real improvements to the lives of Libyans and migrants, and ensuring an end to human rights abuses, will require the restoration of political stability, and an end to lawlessness in Libya. This requires the formation of a fully functioning and unified government, and a return to order throughout the country. I call on all parties to cooperate fully with UN Special Representative Ghassan Salamé, whose efforts Ireland and the EU fully support.
I commend Italy’s efforts in hosting the conference on Libya in Palermo last week. I particularly welcome the conclusions announced following the conference, which call for a Libyan-led inclusive national conference to be held in early 2019, followed by an electoral process in spring. I call on all parties in Libya to uphold their commitments. An inclusive, Libyan-led reconciliation process is the only path to completing Libya’s transition, and bringing about a sovereign, democratic and stable country, that respects and protects the rights of all citizens, and all others in Libya.
