Libya Yields to International Pressure on Refugees

Following recent international criticism of its human rights abuses and deportation of refugees to home countries where they may face torture, Libya announced yesterday that it will allow approximately 400 Eritrean refugees to remain in the country, and promised that the government will “ensure them a decent life and access to employment suitable to their professional abilities.” The International Organization for Migration affirmed Libya’s commitment to find employment for the refugees. Amnesty International’s Middle East and North Africa Director, Malcolm Smart, had called for Libya to protect the migrants and asylum seekers earlier this week.