PRESS RELEASE : All migrants and refugees must be treated with humanity and dignity – UK statement at the UN Security Council [September 2024]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 September 2024.
Statement by Fergus Eckersley, Minister Counsellor, at the Security Council meeting on the situation in Libya.
Thank you, Mr President, and thank you to UNHCR and the IOM for their briefings this afternoon.
We wish to make three points today:
First, the UK is committed to working with member states and UN agencies to tackle the drivers of irregular migration across Africa and the Mediterranean route, and to counter trafficking and people smuggling.
To this end, the UK is supporting the International Organisation for Migration’s work in Libya, including funding to provide returns and reintegration assistance for vulnerable migrants. The UK is also building capacity through joint UK National Crime Agency and Libyan law enforcement work to prosecute the leaders of organised criminal gangs.
Second, we are grateful to the Secretary General for his report on the implementation of Security Council Resolution 2698. Its description of the human rights situation for migrants is extremely worrying, including reports of arbitrary detention, torture, and mistreatment.
Its reports of migrant mass graves in Al-Shuwairf and other areas are extremely serious. All migrants and refugees must be treated with humanity and dignity, and their rights must be fully respected.
Third, we recognise the role that the Libyan authorities are playing in hosting large numbers of migrants and refugees, including from Sudan. The UK has provided support, including £2 million of assistance to support up to 150,000 Sudanese refugees in Libya fleeing violence in Darfur.
As part of their efforts we urge the Libyan authorities to work with the UN and other humanitarian actors to enhance conditions in migrant detention centres and to ensure that those responsible for any human rights violations are properly held to account. We look forward to continuing to work closely with the Libyan authorities on these issues.
In conclusion, Mr President, the UK is committed to countering trafficking and people smuggling, and supporting vulnerable migrants. A political solution in Libya would support efforts to address the drivers of irregular migration, and provide peace and stability for Libyans.
We remain committed to supporting a Libyan-led and owned political process under UN auspices. We look forward to working with all Council members as we negotiate UNSMIL’s mandate next month.
