EU accused of complicity in torture of refugees

(Baonghean)- Amnesty International (AI) has accused European governments of being complicit in the torture of tens of thousands of refugees and immigrants who intend to cross the border to the EU and were detained by the Libyan authorities in Libya.

Migrants cross the Mediterranean Sea to reach Europe. Photo: Internet

In a December 12 report, Amnesty condemned European governments for supporting “a sophisticated system of abuse and exploitation of refugees and migrants” crossing the Mediterranean Sea to reach the old continent.

“Tens of thousands of people are being held indefinitely in overcrowded migrant reception centres, where they are systematically abused,” said John Dalhuisen, director of AI Europe. “European governments need to reconsider their cooperation with Libya on immigration issues, as well as the granting of visas to people coming to Europe through legal channels, especially the resettlement of tens of thousands of refugees.”

Mr Dalhuisen stressed that Libyan authorities must end the illegal arrests and detentions of refugees and migrants, and called for the “immediate” release of all foreigners being held in Libyan refugee centres.

It is known that since the end of 2016, EU member states, especially Italy, have implemented a series of measures to close migration routes to Europe via Libya and the Mediterranean Sea, regardless of the consequences for those stranded in Libya. According to AI, European governments have supported the Libyan Immigration Department to manage detention centers and provided equipment to the Libyan Coast Guard to block the flow of migrants.

Refugees and migrants caught by Libyan border guards are sent to detention centres where they are treated cruelly. So far, 20,000 people are being held in overcrowded and unsanitary centres, which are not under the control of the Libyan government, which is supported by international organisations. Meanwhile, thousands of other refugees are being held in centres controlled by the military. And AI has interviewed dozens of migrants and refugees about “abuses they have experienced or witnessed” including torture and forced labour in migrant detention centres.

Chu Thanh

(According to Le Monde)