EU: Refugee crisis: latest news from across Europe: 18-20-3-17
01 March 2017
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EU
Council of the
European Union: EU targets Libyan refugees
21-20.3.17
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• Migration policy: implementation: - External aspects: contribution of Ministers of Interior = Discussion paper(LIMITE doc no: 7110-17, pdf): Following the 3 February 2017 Malta Declaration (pdf) the Council Presidency reports that "its implementation has now taken off." The aim is to cut or halt refugees arriving in the EU via Libya and the same for the neighbouring states to Libya. This includes:
"Supporting IOM in significantly stepping up assisted voluntary return activities...
"IOM would need to recruit more staff, post international staff in Tripoli (IOM office planned to be open by the end of March 2017) and more importantly, assist the country of origin's consuls in neighbouring countries to increase their capacity to issue travel documents. This is currently considered the main bottleneck in carrying out assisted voluntary returns from Libya." [emphasis added]
And: "Helping to reduce the pressure on Libya's land borders, keeping track of alternative routes and possible diversion of smugglers' activities as well as deepening dialogue and cooperation on migration with all countries neighbouring Libya."
Also from the Valletta Plan:
"enhancing adequate
reception capacities and conditions in Libya and neighbouring
countries for migrants;
- improving the socio-economic situation and resilience
of host communities in Libya and neighbouring countries;
- enhancing border management capacity on Libya's land borders.." [emphasis added]
"Reception capacities" equals holding centres.
See also: Mission impossible? Secret EU report makes clear problems in rebuilding Libyan state (Statewatch): With the EU committed to halting cross-Mediterranean irregular migration, a recent classified report produced by the EU's Border Assistance Mission (EUBAM) Libya makes clear the difficulties that lie ahead in attempting to establish functioning state institutions in the country, including those willing to comply with European demands for "integrated border management". See: EUBAM Libya Initial Mapping Report Executive Summary (25 January 2017, 5616/17, EU RESTRICTED, pdf)
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