Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Didier Reynders is shocked by the inhuman treatment of migrants in Libya and by the use of violence against them. He condemns these revolting practices. Belgium takes good note of the enquiry opened by the Libyan authorities, with the hope that it will be concluded as quickly as possible.
The absence of a functioning state structure in Libya is at the root of this situation. This is the reason why Belgium supports the efforts of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations Ghassan Salamé to reach a politically inclusive solution in the country, which would make the country better equipped to fight such derailments.
In the same way as the European Union, our country requests Libyan authorities to step up their efforts for the protection of human rights and particularly those of the weakest. Belgium was one of the first country to contribute to the EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa. This fund supports the resilience and protection of vulnerable groups in Libya. In close cooperation with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the office of the UN High Commissionner for Refugees (UNHCR), it finances projects for a better protection of victims of human trafficking.
Belgium supports the IOM through a yearly contribution of 1 million euro. Our country supports thus indirectly the actions of the organisation in Libya.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kingdom of Belgium – Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation.
Source: Apo-Opa
Did you find this information helpful? If you did, consider donating.