Question to the Department for International Development:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps her Department is taking to support vulnerable migrants in Libya.

The UK combines short and long term work to provide a comprehensive approach to global migration which includes addressing the immediate impacts of mass migration flows as well as their root causes. This means working to bring about an end to conflicts, helping migrant origin countries to reduce the drivers of illegal migration by building stability, and tackling criminal smuggling gangs.

Under DFID’s £75 million humanitarian migration programme, we have allocated up to £5 million to assistance and protection for vulnerable refugees and migrants in Libya, which includes targeted healthcare provision. Alongside this, through our contributions to the EU Trust Fund for Africa, we are supporting the UNHCR’s emergency evacuations from Libya, voluntary returns and reintegration, as well as providing limited support for those within detention centres.

As announced yesterday, DFID has committed £1 million to the UN Flash Appeal for Libya which will assist the most vulnerable people, including refugees and migrants.