UN says 1,350 refugees evacuated from Libya in 2019

26 August

The UN Higher Commission of Refugees (UNHCR) said on Sunday that 1,350 refugees have been evacuated from Libya to third countries in 2019.

A total of "1,350 refugees left Libya to safe third countries through evacuation or resettlement program in 2019," the UNHCR tweeted.

On Saturday, "31 refugees left ... with hopes to start a new chapter of their lives," it added.

Because of the insecurity and chaos, Libya is a preferred point of departure for illegal immigrants wanting to cross the Mediterranean to reach Europe, many of whom drown on the way.

The UNHCR has said Libya is not a safe port for disembarkation for migrants given the worsening security conditions in the North African country.

XINHUA