The Civil Society Commission in Libya has declared its opposition to migrant resettlement plans, citing national security and demographic concerns. The commission criticized misleading narratives from some civil groups and reasserted Libya’s sovereignty, referencing international laws. It called for a long-term approach to tackle irregular migration and warned against leniency that could encourage crime and terrorism while urging public awareness campaigns about illegal migration risks.
The Civil Society Commission in Libya has firmly opposed any plans to resettle irregular migrants within its borders, citing concerns for national security and demographic stability as critical issues. In a statement released on Sunday, the commission indicated that it is actively observing reports of exploitation by foreign governments and organizations, which it alleges are using Libya’s political turmoil to advocate for migrant resettlement and integration.
The commission criticized misleading narratives propagated by certain civil society groups and underscored that these pose a tangible threat to Libya’s security. It emphasized the importance of adhering to international human rights agreements while denouncing what it referred to as “double standards” in migration discussions.
Reiterating Libya’s assertion of sovereignty, the commission condemned the imposition of migrant resettlement initiatives, advocating for compliance with both national laws and international treaties. It referenced Article 22 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which allows for movement restrictions in defense of national security, public order, and the rights of other individuals.
The commission urged a sustainable strategy for addressing irregular migration, calling upon foreign governments, particularly those in Europe, to foster economic opportunities in the migrants’ countries of origin and to assist Libya with border surveillance technologies to prevent human smuggling.
Additionally, the commission warned that leniency towards irregular migration could exacerbate crime and terrorism, underscoring the participation of criminal and extremist organizations in human trafficking. It proposed the necessity of public awareness campaigns to educate Libyans on the dangers posed by illegal migration operations.
In closing, the commission advised civil society groups against promoting migrant resettlement in Libya and vowed to take legal action against any infringements on this stance.
In conclusion, the Civil Society Commission in Libya has rejected the idea of resettling irregular migrants within its territory, citing national security and demographic stability as essential concerns. The commission called for strict adherence to national laws and international agreements and emphasized a need for collaborative efforts to address the root causes of irregular migration. Furthermore, it highlighted the direct threats posed by criminal organizations involved in human trafficking, urging public awareness and caution in policy advocacy related to migration.
Original Source: libyaobserver.ly
