Libya’s Coast Guard rescued 61 migrants aboard a broken rubber boat 30 miles (48 kilometers) off the coast of the capital Tripoli, according to a Friday statement by the security apparatus.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the UN Higher Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) provided necessary assistance to the migrants before they were taken to a reception center in Tajura, eastern Tripoli.
Due to the insecurity and chaos following the 2011 uprising, Libya became a preferred point of departure for thousands of illegal migrants wanting to cross the Mediterranean toward European shores.
Since April 4, over 69,600 individuals have been displaced due to the clashes taking place in and around Tripoli. Since last week alone, over 9,000 civilians moved from conflict areas to safer locations in cities along the coast, the Warshefana area or Nafusa Mountains.
As of May 17, 1,933 refugees and migrants have been rescued/intercepted at sea by the Libyan Coast Guard.
UNHCR, through its partner International Medical Corps (IMC), provided medical assistance and CRIs to those disembarked before they were transferred to a detention centre by the authorities. On May 11, another 12 individuals disembarked in Tobrouk, in the eastern region, and were transferred to a detention centre by the authorities. So far this month, 807 refugees and migrants disembarked in Libya.
