The Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Amy Pope, has begun a three-day visit to Libya to draw global attention to the serious dangers migrants face on the Central Mediterranean Route. The visit comes as the world prepares to mark International Migrants Day on December 18 and focuses on the urgent need to protect lives along one of the world’s deadliest migration corridors.
The Central Mediterranean Route is one of the most heavily used and dangerous migration routes, with migrants departing mainly from Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, and Egypt in an attempt to reach Europe, especially Italy and Malta. Thousands of migrants risk their lives every year on this route, often relying on smugglers and unsafe boats, leading to frequent deaths at sea.
During her visit, Pope is scheduled to meet Libyan authorities, civil society groups, and international partners to discuss Libya’s complex migration situation. These discussions aim to strengthen cooperation, improve migrant protection, and reduce the number of deaths along the route through better coordination and humanitarian action.
Speaking upon her arrival, Pope stressed that every death along the Central Mediterranean Route is preventable. She said migrants deserve safety, dignity, and hope rather than danger and exploitation. She added that saving lives requires shared responsibility and strong cooperation between governments, international organizations, and local partners.
The visit will also focus on efforts to combat human trafficking and improve access to safe and voluntary humanitarian return programs. Many migrants in Libya face abuse, detention, and exploitation, making protection and support services critical to reducing suffering and preventing further loss of life.
IOM noted that Pope’s visit comes at a time of continued concern over reports of migrants dying or suffering severe hardship along the route. The organization has repeatedly warned that without stronger action, more lives will be lost as migration pressures continue.
The visit builds on IOM’s long-standing work in Libya, where the organization supports migrants and host communities, protects vulnerable groups, and promotes safer and better-managed migration. Pope reaffirmed IOM’s commitment to improving humanitarian access, strengthening national capacity, and expanding partnerships to address migration challenges.
On International Migrants Day, Pope is expected to visit IOM operations in Libya to gain first-hand insight into migrant journeys and local challenges. IOM emphasized that continued support from donors and policymakers, working closely with Libyan authorities, is essential to saving lives and upholding human dignity along the Central Mediterranean Route.