Migration challenges: What can Libyaʼs local communities do?

Speaker: Musab El Gaed (MEDirections Associate, Libya)

Tuesday 28 February 2017

11 a.m – 1 p.m

Capella, Villa Schifanoia

Organised in the framework of the The Middle East Directions Programme 

At their recent summit in Malta, the EU leaders agreed on a plan to stem illegal immigration flows from Libya into the EU. The plan, which endorsed a bilateral memorandum of understanding between Italy and the Presidency Council of Libya signed early February, is supposed to help better “manage flows” and “save lives”.

Yet, the EU-Libya deal raises serious questions about both its fairness and effectiveness. The continuing instability in Libya makes it highly unlikely that the internationally-recognised government can implement the agreement, prevent departures and provide migrants with even basic protection against human rights violations on Libyan soil.

Against this background, Libya’s local communities are often presented as key actors of any really effective policy to address the migration crisis. The EU plan itself also insists on the importance of stepping up cooperation with and assistance to Libyan local communities.

This MEDirections Seminar will discuss the role that local communities play in migration flows and patterns in Libya, and how they could be better included in policy responses at the local and international levels.

Everyone is welcome to attend. Please kindly register