IOM chief visits Libya to highlight risks faced by migrant on Central Mediterranean Route
During her visit, she is scheduled to meet with local authorities, civil society, and international partners to discuss ways to address the country’s complex migration dynamics alongside joint efforts to prevent loss of life along the Central Mediterranean Route.
As the world prepares to mark International Migrants Day on Thursday, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM)'s Director General, Amy Pope, has embarked on a three-day visit to Libya to shed light on the dangers that migrants face along the Central Mediterranean Route (CMR).
The route is heavily used and dangerous, with departures from Libya, Tunisia, Algeria and Egypt heading towards Italy and Malta.
More To Read
- IOM launches global campaign to support human trafficking survivors
- Interpol flags online advertisements offering costly crossings into Europe
- More than 1,000 migrants drown in Mediterranean so far this year, IOM says
- IOM, Human Concern International sign Sh129 million agreement to tackle human trafficking
- UN Security Council extends Libya mission, UNSMIL, until October 2026
- Libya rescues 49 Sudanese migrants off western coast
During her visit, she is scheduled to meet with local authorities, civil society, and international partners to discuss ways to address the country’s complex migration dynamics alongside joint efforts to prevent loss of life along the Central Mediterranean Route.
“Every life lost on this route is a tragedy and one we can prevent. People on the move deserve protection, dignity and hope, not danger. Saving lives requires shared responsibility and real cooperation. IOM stands ready to work with Libyan authorities and partners to reduce risks, protect rights, and ensure migration is managed in ways that put people first," she said upon her arrival on Tuesday.
The visit will also seek to strengthen efforts to combat human trafficking and enhance safe and voluntary humanitarian return mechanisms.
"This engagement comes against a challenging migration landscape, amid continued concern over reports of migrants suffering and perishing along the Central Mediterranean Route," IOM says in a statement.
Her visit builds on IOM’s long-standing work in Libya to support migrants and host communities, protect the most vulnerable, and promote well-managed migration. She reaffirmed IOM’s dedication to strengthening humanitarian access, building national capacities, and reinforcing partnerships.
On Thursday, December 18, she is scheduled to mark International Migrants Day by visiting IOM’s operations in Libya, gaining deeper insight into the journeys people undertake and the challenges communities face, while reinforcing efforts toward safe, orderly, and regular migration.
"IOM remains committed to advancing practical cooperation and sustained, principled support that saves lives and upholds human dignity. Continued engagement by donors and policymakers, in close coordination with the Government of Libya, is essential to advancing these efforts," the organisation said.
Top Stories Today
