EU Reaffirms Support for Libya After Migrant Boat Tragedy off Sabratha

Following the deadly sinking of a migrant boat off Libya’s coast, the European Union (EU) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Libya’s efforts to combat human trafficking and strengthen border management.

EU Ambassador to Libya Nicola Orlando said in a post on X that the tragedy “reminds us of the heavy human toll caused by smuggling and trafficking operations.” He pledged continued EU assistance to Libyan institutions to enhance border security, promote voluntary migrant returns, and fight human rights abuses and criminal networks.

The reaffirmation came after the Libyan Red Crescent in Sabratha reported recovering 18 bodies and rescuing more than 90 migrants when a boat capsized near Marsah Sorman late Monday. Authorities said 18 others remain missing, while the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) confirmed that several children were among the missing.

UNHCR expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life and stressed the urgent need for stronger measures to protect vulnerable migrants along the Central Mediterranean route, one of the world’s deadliest migration corridors.