Libya: Migrant shipwreck kills 8, dozens still missing
At least eight migrants have died after their boat – carrying at least 150 migrants – capsized off Libya. The Libyan Red Crescent is still searching for 58 others.
libyan coast guard
More than 1,000 migrants returned to Libya since beginning of the year
According to IOM Libya, 1,067 migrants were intercepted by the Libyan authorities and brought back to Libya between January 1 and January 7. Conditions for migrants in Libya are consistently being described as "undignified" and "inhumane."
Human Rights Watch: EU agency 'complicit' in migrant abuse in Libya
The organization Human Rights Watch accuses the EU's border agency Frontex of being complicit in abuse in Libya. It says the use of aerial surveillance enabled the Libyan coast guard to return migrants to that country.
Several hundred migrants rescued in Mediterranean
Several hundred migrants have been rescued in the Mediterranean in the last few days. The migrants were picked up by private rescue ships and the Italian coast guard. Four people are missing after a boat sank off Lampedusa.
Sea-Watch said Libyans threatened to shoot down its plane
The Libyan coast guard reportedly ordered a Sea-Watch aircraft to leave or face being fired at with missiles. The Libyans ultimately pulled migrants from the Mediterranean before sinking their boat.
Activists demand an end to Italy-Libya agreement
Activists gathered in Italian cities, including Rome and Naples, to protest against the Italy-Libya agreement, citing concerns over human rights abuses.
UN votes to continue inspection of vessels suspected of migrant smuggling from Libya
The UN Security Council has voted unanimously to continue authorizing the inspection of vessels coming from Libya suspected of taking part in migrant smuggling or human trafficking.
Migrants accuse EU of facilitating abuse in Libya after interceptions at sea
The EU is facing renewed accusations of funding human rights abuses in Libya. With growing reports of torture, extortion, slavery and murder surfacing from the North African country, migrants are joining the voices of those calling for lasting change.
At least 15 migrants die in Libyan Sahara desert
At least 15 migrants have been found dead in the desert region along the country’s southeastern border with Sudan. Some sources claim there could be more victims.
Geo Barents allowed to dock in Italy after long wait at sea
Having spent more than a week onboard the Geo Barents rescue ship in the Mediterranean Sea, 659 refugees have finally been given clearance to disembark in Italy. They are expected to arrive in Taranto on the morning of August 5.
Human Rights Watch accuses Frontex drones of posing 'a threat to migrants and refugees'
A joint report from Human Rights Watch and Border Forensics says Frontex and the EU's use of drones is posing a "threat to migrants and refugees."
Germany's new government coalition continues cooperation with Libya
A media report suggests that Germany's governing coalition wants to retain the deal with Libya's coast guard despite election promises to end it. The cooperation is highly controversial due to well-documented human rights violations in Libyan migrant camps.