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Libya has agreed to change migrant detention policy, says IOM chief

Libya has agreed to change migrant detention policy, says IOM chief

Introduction:

The Libyan authorities have “in principle” agreed to let the UN migration agency (IOM) take care of people rescued from the Mediterranean Sea, rather than put them in detention, the head of the organization said on Friday.

The development follows IOM Director General William Lacy Swing’s meeting with Libya’s Prime Minister, Fayez al-Sarraj.

But in an interview with UN News, Ambassador Swing told Jens Renner that thousands of people still remain in detention.

 

 

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The Libyan authorities have “in principle” agreed to let the UN migration agency (IOM) take care of people rescued from the Mediterranean Sea, rather than put them in detention, the head of the organization said on Friday.

The development follows IOM Director General William Lacy Swing’s meeting with Libya’s Prime Minister, Fayez al-Sarraj.

But in an interview with UN News, Ambassador Swing told Jens Renner that thousands of people still remain in detention.

Audio Credit
Jens Renner, UN News - Geneva
Audio Duration
2'27"
Photo Credit
IOM/Jean-Marc Ferré