By Krysta Bisnauth, From Freedom United

For the first three months of 2024, over 200 hundred migrants and refugees have died attempting to leave Libya for Europe, according to search and rescue NGOs.    Meanwhile, humanitarians dodge gunfire [1] from the Libyan Coast Guard(LCG) as they attempt to rescue distressed persons at sea.

“Threatening crew members of search-and-rescue vessels and risking the lives of people in need of protection is a gross violation of international law.” – SOS Humanity

Death is not the end for most who are intercepted by the LGC. After being beaten or shot at, survivors are forcibly returned to Libya where they face the grave risk of trafficking, arbitrary detention, torture, and exploitation.   The International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimates that around 600,000 migrants and refugees are stranded in Libya in conditions that Italy’s highest court recently ruled as unsafe for vulnerable persons.     Violating its own human rights laws, the EU continues to turn a blind eye while simultaneously propping up the LGC with funding, training and equipment.    Yet, amid the chaos, there is hope. It lies in us, in our collective voice rising above the cacophony of indifference.    Your support is crucial in our efforts to advocate for the rights and dignity of refugees and migrants.   Will you stand with us and donate $5 today?

Donate

Together we can hold the EU accountable for gross human rights violations.  

Thank you for all that you do.

In solidarity,

Krysta and the team supporting the Freedom United community 

Krysta Bisnauth
Advocacy Manager, Freedom United