Libya’s Civil Society Commission Strongly Rejects Migrant Resettlement Plans
Libya’s Civil Society Commission opposes any plans to resettle irregular migrants, citing national security and demographic stability. They criticized misleading narratives by certain civil society groups and urged adherence to international laws. The commission promotes a long-term strategy for handling migration and seeks support for economic development in migrants’ home countries, while warning of the risks associated with irregular migration.
The Civil Society Commission in Libya has firmly opposed any plans for the resettlement of irregular migrants, stressing that national security and demographic stability constitute a “red line” that must not be crossed. In a statement made on Sunday, the commission expressed its concern over foreign governments and organizations that are allegedly using Libya’s political instability to advocate for migrant resettlement and integration.
The commission argued that certain civil society groups have propagated misleading narratives that threaten Libya’s security. It underscored the importance of adhering to international human rights agreements while rejecting any “double standards” regarding migration issues. Furthermore, the commission reasserted Libya’s sovereignty and rejected attempts to impose migrant resettlement, emphasizing adherence to national laws and international treaties.
Referencing Article 22 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the commission noted that restrictions on movement can be enacted to safeguard national security, public order, and the rights of others. They advocated for a comprehensive approach to addressing irregular migration and called upon foreign governments—especially those in Europe—to invest in economic development in migrants’ countries of origin and to provide Libya with technology for border surveillance to combat human smuggling.
The commission also highlighted that leniency in managing irregular migration may exacerbate crime and terrorism, particularly due to the involvement of criminal networks in human trafficking. They emphasized the necessity of public awareness campaigns to educate Libyans on the risks associated with illegal migration networks. In closing, the commission warned civil society organizations against promoting migrant resettlement in Libya and vowed to pursue legal action against any policy violations.
The Civil Society Commission in Libya has made it clear that it will not tolerate attempts to resettle irregular migrants within its borders, framing such actions as a violation of national security. The commission has called for better management of migration issues in accordance with international standards while urging international cooperation for economic development in migrant origin countries. Their resolution emphasizes the importance of national laws and underscores the potential security risks associated with illegal migration practices.
Original Source: libyaobserver.ly
