US Considers Deporting Migrants to Libya Despite Human Rights Concerns

The U.S. is considering deporting migrants to Libya, despite its human rights issues and being on the ‘Muslim ban’ list. The plan aims to deter irregular migration. Discussions with Libya and Rwanda are ongoing, with Secretary of State Rubio’s remarks highlighting the administration’s stance. Critics express concern over human rights abuses faced by migrants in Libya, questioning the implications of such a strategy.

The United States government is reportedly contemplating a controversial strategy to deport migrants to Libya, despite the North African nation’s troubling track record on human rights and its current inclusion on the travel ban list initiated during the Trump administration. CNN has indicated that discussions are ongoing with officials from both Libya and Rwanda regarding the repatriation of migrants with criminal histories.

Under the existing stipulations, Libyans cannot enter the United States for ninety days. This restriction has been criticized by Amnesty International which characterized it as “cruel, inhumane, and in violation of international law.” The country is included on a travel ‘red list’ due to these concerns.

Sources mentioned to CNN that U.S. officials are exploring the possibility of designating Libya as a ‘safe third party’ for migrants intercepted at U.S. borders. However, a member of a Libyan delegation, which has ties to militia leader Khalifa Haftar, disclosed that the matter did not come up in recent discussions in Washington.

Although the U.S. State Department has not officially confirmed the contents of the CNN report, indications suggest ongoing conversations with international partners to accommodate migrants who are detained at various stages of entry. Secretary of State Marco Rubio explicitly stated, “We are actively searching for other countries to take people from third countries.”

Rubio further articulated a rather harsh stance, saying, “We want to send you some of the most despicable human beings to your countries — will you do that as a favor to us?” He noted that moving migrants farther away from the United States could help mitigate their chances of re-entering the country.

Libya has increasingly become a focal point for migrant crossings attempting to reach Europe. Seeking to manage this crisis, the European Union has forged agreements with the Libyan government aimed at limiting migrant outflows. Critics argue that such arrangements have resulted in widespread human rights abuses, including reports of torture and rape within Libyan detention facilities.

Matteo de Bellis, a researcher on Migration and Asylum with Amnesty International, criticized the EU’s collaboration with Libyan authorities, saying that it keeps vulnerable populations trapped in dire and inhumane circumstances. He reflected on the past five years, pointing out that countries like Italy and Malta have contributed to the capture of thousands of migrants at sea, many of whom subsequently end up in detention centers notorious for exploitation and abuse.

In related developments, the UK government has similarly faced backlash over its proposals to send migrants to Rwanda, deemed unlawful by scrutiny, while the Labour party has since disavowed the plans after assuming power last year.

The potential for U.S. deportations to Libya raises serious concerns over human rights violations in the North African country, especially considering its inclusion on the travel ban list. The U.S. administration’s discussions with both Libya and Rwanda highlight a broader strategy to manage migration issues while facing criticism from human rights organizations, which warn of the grave consequences for affected migrants. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are necessary for a full understanding of the implications.

Original Source: www.newarab.com