Brussels, 15 September 2011 – The Jesuit Refugee Service has urged EU states to prioritise the protection of human rights and life over border security, in response to findings of the latest Amnesty International report, The Battle for Libya: Killings, Disappearances and Torture.

The 107-page report reveals the crimes under international law committed by both al-Gaddafi and in some cases rebel forces, particularly the inhumane treatment afforded to sub-Saharan Africans during the brief conflict. According to Mr Amaral, this report is yet another sad reminder of how migrants – often among the most vulnerable in our societies – are victimised during times of military conflict and political unrest.

"As a major power and proponent of fundamental human rights protection, the EU needs to ensure those fleeing Libya are guaranteed access to asylum procedures, and provide safe haven to refugees", said JRS Europe Advocacy Officer, Philip Amaral.

Of the nearly 650,000 migrants who have fled Libya in search of safety, Europe has received only two percent. While many have embarked on dangerous or even fatal journeys across the Mediterranean, EU states have failed to take all necessary measures to enable them to reach safety. Since March 2011, at least 1,500 people are believed to have perished at sea.

In worrying development, the Italian authorities signed a memorandum of understanding with the NTC in June 2011 on joint management of "the migration phenomenon". Against this background, Amnesty expressed concern that neither party is committed to the protection of forced migrants.

Forced migrants, a pattern of neglect

In the case of Libya, Mr Amaral continued, sub-Saharan African migrants have been penned in from all sides: al-Gaddafi and rebel forces, and the EU foreign and immigration policy. The conflict, which has affected many innocent lives, is a clear illustration of how state interests have easily subjugated fundamental human rights.

Aware that al-Gaddafi government forces were subjecting migrants to arbitrary detention in abysmal conditions, forced deportations in the open desert, and brutal attacks in the streets, the EU continued to prioritise border control at the expense of human rights. This policy remained unchanged in spite of the absence of any refugee legislation or asylum procedures and Libya's consistent hostility to the UN refugee agency.

It is clear Libya has never been a safe haven for migrants, especially for those with protection needs. The EU has failed to take any concerted action or commitment to resettle sub-Saharan African migrants from Libya to safe countries.

From JRS Dispatches No. 306: http://jrs.net/newsletters_detail?ITN=MC-20110916070920&TN=NEWS-20110916053626&#story_779

To view the Amnesty International report, The Battle for Libya: Killings, Disappearances and Torture, see http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/asset/MDE19/025/2011/en/8f2e1c49-8f43-46d3-917d-383c17d36377/mde190252011en.pdf