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UNHCR apeals for US$420 million to end perilous Mediterranean journeys
19.07.2017 08:02 "Agro Perspectiva" (Kyiv) —
As of yesterday, Vincent Cochetel, UNHCR (UN Refugee Agency) Special Envoy to the Central Mediterranean Situation, said much more needs to be done to tackle the «devastating toll» caused by refugee journeys departing from its shores, UN Radio reports.
As to him, 2,360 people have died on the sea route within this year first six months of the year.
Besides, an unknown number of people have also perished inside the country. They are the victims of traffickers (who capture and abuse travellers, holding them in detention centres).
«We are hearing the same tales of horror from people who are experiencing serious human rights violations both on their way to Libya and on the way to Libya…forced labour for many who cannot afford any more the cost of the rest of the journey, so they are supposed to perform heavy work until such a time that the traffickers decide to put them on a boat,» Cochetel admitted.
As to Cochetel, Libya has long been a destination for migrant workers and asylum-seekers, arriving principally from Niger and Algeria. And as a growing number of people try to pass through lawless areas of the country, the best course of action is to make them aware of the dangers before they set out.
Cochetel admitted a communication campaign alone isnt enough, and that is why the UNHCR has appealed for US$421 million from the international community.
UNHCR wants to use some of the money to help Libya neighbours to speed up asylum-processing claims and offer better reception facilities to those in need of protection.
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