The Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) confirmed in Tripoli the UN agency’s readiness to continue its technical and logistical support to Libya, amid irregular migration flows.
IOM Director General Amy Pope reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to maintaining and strengthening its technical and logistical support to Libya, as well as partnership programs dedicated to more humane and safer migration management.
This position was expressed during a meeting on Wednesday in Tripoli with the President of the Libyan Presidential Council, Mohamed Al-Menfi.
The meeting was held at the Presidential Council headquarters, in the presence of IOM Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, Othman Belbeisi, and the organisation’s Chief of Mission in Libya, Nicoletta Giordano.
The talks focused on the challenges related to irregular migration, the organized criminal networks
associated with it, and their security and humanitarian consequences, both regionally and internationally.
The discussions also addressed prospects for strengthening joint cooperation in migration management, combating human trafficking, and ways to stem irregular migration flows. In this context, both parties emphasised the need for a coordinated approach integrating security,
humanitarian, and institutional dimensions.
Mohamed Al-Menfi reiterated that Libya is primarily a transit country, not a final destination, for migrants. He stressed the importance of increased international mobilisation to address the root causes of irregular migration, particularly in countries of origin, and to support regional stability, a condition deemed essential for sustainably reducing unregulated migration flows.
The head of the Presidential Council also reaffirmed the Libyan authorities’ commitment to cooperating with IOM in accordance with international standards relating to human rights and the dignity of migrants.
Amy Pope commended Libya’s efforts on this issue and emphasised the importance of a partnership based on shared responsibility.
Arriving in Tripoli on Tuesday for a three-day working visit, the IOM Director General plans to continue her discussions with Libyan officials on actions aimed at preventing loss of life on the
Central Mediterranean route, strengthening the fight against human trafficking, and improving mechanisms for the safe, voluntary, and respectful return of migrants.
MK/AK/fss/as/APA