UN Trying to Cut Numbers at EU-Funded Migrant Center in Libya

Arab World

November 30th, 11:13am

Asharq Al-Awsat

Migrants are seen at the Anti-Illegal Immigration Agency in Tajora shelter center in Tripoli, Libya April 24, 2019. (Reuters)

The UN refugee agency is working to cut the number of migrants staying at an overcrowded transit center in Libya’s capital. Charlie Yaxley, an UNCHR spokesman, tells The Associated Press Saturday that “the situation is very difficult” as the center is at about twice its capacity, with some 1,200 migrants. The UNCHR is asking those refugees not registered with the agency to leave the European Union-funded facility. The surrounding areas of Tripoli have been the scene of fighting after the Libyan National Army launched an operation to cleanse the capital of militias associated to the Government of National Accord in April. According to a document obtained by the AP, the agency says it will phase out food distribution for the unregistered migrants, including dozens of tuberculosis patients, from January 1. Libya is a major waypoint for migrants fleeing war and poverty in Africa and the Middle East to Europe.

from Asharq AL-awsat https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/2014876/un-trying-cut-numbers-eu-funded-migrant-center-libya