European MP urges cessation of EU migration funding to Libya following discovery of migrant mass graves

Dutch MEP Tineke Strik has urged Europe to halt funding for Libya’s migration control efforts following the discovery of 78 Sub-Saharan migrant bodies in the country last week, according to Middle East Eye.

“The discovery of these mass graves is yet another horrific confirmation of crimes against humanity faced by migrants in Libya, perpetrated by state security forces and armed militia groups,” Strik stated in a joint declaration alongside rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch.

Last March, another mass grave with the bodies of 65 migrants was discovered.

Since 2015, the EU’s Emergency Trust Fund for Africa has allocated $465 million to Libya to manage migration, according to EU data. In 2023, the EU provided five boats to the Libyan Coastguard—which has been repeatedly accused of mistreating migrants.

Critics argue that European nations have ignored human rights violations while supporting Libya and Tunisia, key transit points for migrants attempting to reach Europe.

"It is clear that European Union (EU) migration funding to Libya, as well as migration funding to Libya from EU member states including Italy and France, has not delivered on its promise to improve conditions for people seeking safety,” Strik’s statement said.