Epigraph:
And what is the matter with you that you struggle not in the cause of Allah and of the weak — men, women and children — who say, ‘Our Lord, take us out of this town, whose people are oppressors, and make for us some friend from Thyself, and make for us from Thyself some helper?’ (Al Quran 4:76)
More than 1,800 migrants died crossing the Mediterranean this year, a 20-fold increase on the same period in 2014
Source: BBC
Migrant tragedy
Libya has criticised EU proposals to authorise the use of force against people smugglers taking migrants across the Mediterranean to Europe.
The Libyan ambassador to the UN told the BBC that the EU’s intentions were unclear and “very worrying”.
The EU is seeking a UN mandate to allow military action to destroy or halt smugglers’ boats in Libyan waters.
The measures are part of the EU’s proposed plans to stop migrants drowning in the Mediterranean.
The UN estimates that 60,000 people have already tried to cross the Mediterranean this year, with more than 1,800 dying making the journey.
Other plans being discussed include expanding maritime rescue services and introducing a quota system for distributing asylum seekers within the EU.
The European Commission is expected to propose the quota system on Wednesday, along with plans to increase legal means for migrants to come to Europe so that they do not turn to smugglers.
A quota system would need to be agreed by EU states and is highly controversial, with many EU countries fiercely opposed.
‘Left in the dark’
EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini is taking her case for international intervention in Libya to the UN Security Council in New York later on Monday.
Categories: Africa, Europe and Australia, Libya
Of course the Libyan Government has to be consulted before military action is taken. Such action should be coordinated. Right, not easy, when the Government does not have full control of the country. Still, ways have to be found.