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Written question asked by Lord Hylton (Crossbench) on Tuesday, 4 June 2019, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 18 June 2019. It was answered by Baroness Sugg (Conservative) on Tuesday, 18 June 2019 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Libya: Detention Centres

Question

To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their response to the United Nations Refugee Agency statement of 19 May that refugees and migrants should not be brought back to detention camps in Libya because they lack food, water and medical care.

Answer

We remain deeply concerned by the situation in Libya and the conditions in Libyan detention centres. The UK is clear that all parties to the conflict must commit to a ceasefire, ensure unconditional humanitarian access, and return to political talks. All parties to the conflict must do all they can to prevent any further loss of life, including by respecting their obligations under International Humanitarian Law, and engage with the UN and humanitarian community. This is essential to ensure aid can reach those in need and to allow for civilians, including refugees and migrants, to be immediately evacuated to safety.

The UK has announced a contribution of £1 million to the UN Flash Appeal. This includes funding to the World Health Organisation to deliver life-saving medical care, and funding to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs to improve humanitarian access for agencies on the ground. The UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) has released $2 million to provide life-saving assistance to civilians caught up in the fighting, including vulnerable migrants and refugees. The UK was the biggest donor to the CERF in 2018, providing £114.3 million.

The Minister of State for the Middle East raised the plight of people in detention centres with the Libyan Deputy Minister last week.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL16009
Session
2017-19
Related items
Libya: Detention Centres
Thursday, 4 July 2019
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects
Detainees Undocumented migrants Refugees Detention centres Libya
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk