On 30 September, The Independent reported on the recent UN Security Council’s unanimous vote to authorise another year of ship inspections off the coast of Libya. These inspections target vessels that are suspected of smuggling migrants or engaging in human trafficking. Reporter Edith M. Lederer reported that the resolution reaffirms the need to end widespread smuggling operations in the Mediterranean, which UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says to be ‘among the deadliest routes for refugees’. Lederer noted that Libya has experienced ‘chaos’ following the 2011 uprisings and toppling of Qaddafi and simultaneously has become a major transit hub for migrants and refugees hoping to reach Europe. Lederer notes that several operations by the EU and the UN have sought to address the dangerous route that sees many migrants undertaking life-risking journeys in ‘unsafe rubber boats’. For example, Lederer explains that the EU’s 2015 Operation Sophia intended to use warships, planes, and drones to ensure migrants could cross the sea safely until Italy blocked it citing concerns that warships would attract more migrants, thusly removing warships from the operation. Lederer writes that the EU estimates 52,537 migrants and refugees have been rescued by these missions, with 12,352 being returned to Libya.
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