Parliament briefed on horrifying situation in Libya

Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of Parliament and MP for Nsawam Adoagyiri, Annor Dompreh has briefed Parliament on the dehumanizing treatment meted out to some African migrants and refugees in Libya. According to the MP, Libya is a prominent route that serves as the main departure point for refugees hoping to reach Europe by sea. Mr Annor Dompreh confirmed to Parliament on 29th November 2017 that the latest development indicates that migrants and refugees living in Libya are been traded as slaves in that country. According to him, the migrants are also been held for ransom and used as force labor or sexual exploitation. He further noted that Switzerland-based International Organization for Migration (IOM) says it has interrogated some West African migrants who recounted been traded in garages and car parks in one of Libya’s main smuggling centre in Sabha. The Committee Chairman expressed regret over how some victims from Nigeria, Senegal and Gambia are captured as they head towards North Libya’s Mediterranean coast where some try to catch boats to Italy. Media reports indicate that the refugees and migrants are been sold at $200 and up to $500. MP for North Tongu Okudzeto Ablakwa described the situation as “horrendous and despicable”. “You cannot really control yourself when you see fellow Africans being auctioned in an open slave market where people pay as low as 400 dollars.” He said it is unimaginable that in the 21st century this would be happening. The sad part, he said, is that this is being perpetuated by Africans. Okudzeto Ablakwa further called on the international community to intervene. He also commended the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its swift intervention by sending a delegation there from Malta where Ghana has a foreign mission. Meanwhile, the Ministry had earlier issued a statement indicating that some 168 Ghanaians in Libya who are in breach of Libya Immigration law will be repatriated anytime soon. By Onua FM | Owoahene Omari Acheampong | editors.3news.com| Ghana