Almost 7,000 migrants intercepted and returned to Libya in 2020

About 6,848 irregular migrants attempting to reach Europe via the Mediterranean have been intercepted and returned to Libya so far in 2020, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

The rescued migrants include 474 women and 364 minors. About 115 migrants have died while 180 have gone missing on the central Mediterranean route in 2020.

Libya has been a major gateway for irregular migrants attempting to reach Europe through the Mediterranean. Thousands of migrants are held in deplorable conditions across detention centres in Libya.

TMP_ 06/08/2020

Photo credit: Shutterstock/Julneighbour

Photo caption: Close up of an orange and white security life buoy, fixed in a boat sailing on the sea, with blue water in background, Mediterranean sea.