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Written question asked by Lord Hylton (Crossbench) on Monday, 24 June 2019, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 8 July 2019. It was answered by Baroness Sugg (Conservative) on Thursday, 4 July 2019 on behalf of the Department for International Development.


Libya: Detention Centres

Question

To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Sugg on 18 June (HL16009), whether they will seek to divert refugees and migrants away from detention centres in Libya.

Answer

The detention centres in Libya are the responsibility of the Libyan authorities. The UK is clear that civilians in areas affected by the current conflict, including refugees and migrants, must be immediately evacuated to safety. We continue to press the Libyan authorities to pursue alternatives to detention and implement a better functioning migration system that respects human rights.

Through our contribution to the EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa (EUTF), the UK has supported the EU and Africa Union joint commitment to significantly increase voluntary returns of those who want to leave Libya, as agreed at the EU-AU Summit in November 2017. Since then, more than 57,000 people have been supported to return home, with most of these returns from Libya and Niger.

Our contribution also supports the UNHCR-led evacuation of those in need of international protection from Libya to Niger and other countries (over 3,600 people to date), and their ongoing resettlement subsequent to their evacuation. Following UNHCR’s urgent appeal for resettlement places, the UK has committed to participate in the resettlement of the most vulnerable refugees who have been evacuated by UNHCR from Libya to Niger. This will include unaccompanied minors.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL16592
Session
2017-19
Related items
Libya: Detention Centres
Tuesday, 18 June 2019
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects
Undocumented migrants Refugees Detention centres Libya
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk