As thousands of migrants continue to be intercepted at sea, the Libyan government that took office earlier this month has said that migration is beyond its control and not among its priorities, as it must focus on reconciliation and prepare the ground for elections later this year.
Over 80 migrants, including women and children, were taken back to Libya within 24 hours by Libyan coast guards, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) tweeted on January 4. The UN agency also said it provided assistance to another 79 people who were returned to Libya by coast guards, while "eight others are reported missing at sea."
A deportation flight from the UK to Jamaica took off in the early hours of Wednesday morning. On board were 13 men of the original 50 destined for the flight. Campaigners continue to protest, saying that the UK's deportation laws "condone child cruelty" by separating parents from children.
Humanitarian organizations in the UK have written to the British government to raise their concerns over conditions in a former military barracks in Kent which has been used to house migrants and asylum seekers since September 2020.
Almost 3,200 people are being held in eleven detention centers in Libya, according to IOM and UNHCR insiders. This includes many refugees fleeing armed conflicts and persecution.
The Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA) led by Fayez al-Sarraj announced it will move migrant centers under Tripoli's control from coastal areas to the country's interior, in an effort to cope with human trafficking.
In its annual report on the confinement of foreigners in waiting areas at French entry points such as ports, airports and train stations, the National Association of Border Assistance once again denounced discriminatory practices against foreigners.
The International Organization for Migration's repatriation program for migrants stranded in Libya, which resumed in August after months of hiatus, is drawing thousands of applicants. InfoMigrants reports on the progress and conditions of these so-called voluntary returns.
Amnesty International in a new report said that thousands of Europe-bound migrants who were intercepted and returned to Libya were forcefully disappeared after being taken out of unofficial detention centers. Amnesty urged the EU to reconsider its cooperation with Libyan authorities.
A video published on the website of the Maltese newspaper Times of Malta shows footage purporting to be from inside the Safi military barracks on the island nation where migrants claim they are being held for months at a time. Conditions are so bad, some are begging to be allowed to return home.
An attempted revolt and escape took place at a migrant repatriation center in Gradisca d'Isonzo, northeastern Italy. The incident occurred during the night between Friday and Saturday and ended in three arrests as well as serious damage to the facility.
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has urged Libya to release more than 200 migrant children who have recently been intercepted in the Mediterranean Sea and returned to Libya.