Migration Crisis in Libya

Here in the United States, border instability and immigration issues have caught world wide attention. However, we as Americans may not be paying enough attention to the rest of the world. Half way around the world a humanitarian crisis is brewing. Thousands and thousands of people are seeking refuge from war torn Libya and conflicts in other North African countries. With no where to go in the south, they’re making their way towards the European Union in the north.

A new development in the crisis has led EU officials to believe that “there are hundreds of thousands on the shores of North Africa”(1) waiting to set sail for the shores of Mediterranean countries. Also, Libyan leader Gaddafi may be using migrants as a ‘weapon’ against Europe, causing economic and political problems. What’s happening, amongst the other conflicts in Libya, is that the borders in Libya are open to all Africans and the government is doing nothing to stop them from leaving the country. Laura Boldrini, spokeswoman for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, said: “Whoever is organizing these crossings has no interest in the fate of these people. They don’t care if the boats arrive or not.”(2) Proof of this came as a result of a sinking refugee boat, carrying 300 people; 56 are still unaccounted for.

 Its certainly devastating to hear about such tragedies and the thought of using refugees as ‘weapons’ is even more shocking. Its even tougher for Europe to respond because the Union has an open border policy and to act requires cooperation from all 22 countries. So what kinds of actions and solutions can the European Union pursue? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain, they will have to decide as one and hope to not end the open border policy.

Sources:

1. http://www.presstv.ir/detail/179630.html

2. http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/f9bc6cca-7beb-11e0-9b16-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1MC1ahNVs