EU Backs Migrant Rescue Center in Eastern Libya

The European Union has agreed to establish a Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi as it seeks to curb arrivals along one of Europe’s busiest migration routes.

The center will be established under the EU naval mission Operation IRINI with funding from Italy and Malta, EU Ambassador to Libya Nicola Orlando said on Thursday.

The announcement followed a meeting in Rome attended by Operation IRINI Commander Rear Admiral Marco Casapieri, Malta’s ambassador to Italy, Daniel Azzopardi, and General Khairy Tamimi, secretary-general of the command of the Libyan Arab Armed Forces.

Although the EU formally recognizes only the Tripoli-based government, it has intensified contacts with authorities in eastern Libya since last year as migrant departures from areas controlled by military commander Khalifa Haftar have risen.

Rights groups warn that strengthening Libya’s maritime capabilities could lead to more interceptions of migrant boats and returns to Libya, where the United Nations and other organizations have long documented abuses against migrants and refugees.

EU officials argue that cooperation with the Libyan authorities is necessary to improve maritime safety, combat smuggling networks and reduce deaths at sea.

(Reuters, lud)