IOM says Libya most dangerous for migrants

Libya presents the most severe dangers for migrants crossing North Africa, according to International Organization for Migration Director General Amy Pope. Smugglers and armed groups routinely kidnap travelers and demand payments while subjecting victims to physical violence. The country hosts up to four million irregular migrants who remain trapped while attempting to reach Europe by sea. Most Mediterranean drownings involve boats that departed from Libyan shores.

Chaos following the 2011 overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi created opportunities for criminal networks to exploit vulnerable populations. The 2023 Sudan conflict forced more than 357,000 refugees into Libya by August as families fled fighting between military forces. Reduced United Nations funding limits assistance programs for people awaiting passage or voluntary return. Tunisia serves as another departure point where thousands of sub-Saharan Africans wait with inadequate resources despite a 2023 European Union agreement that reduced crossings.

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