from AHMED ZAYED in Tripoli, LibyaTRIPOLI, (CAJ News) – LIBYAN authorities have detained 200 children intercepted while trying to reach Europe via the Mediterranean Sea this year. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) said instead of detaining the minors and exposing them to violence and abuse, authorities must have provided them with psychosocial care and support. “Absolutely no one should be detained in Libya’s detention centres – least of all a child,” Tom Garofalo, the International Rescue Committee’s director in Libya, said. He said since March this year, IRC has provided emergency medical care to over 3 800 people who were seeking safety in Europe but were brought back to Libya from sea. Some have seen fellow passengers die before their eyes.”Libya is the main gateway to Europe for African migrants seeking improved economic opportunities.

Source: The North Africa Journal July 31, 2020 07:30 UTC