Question to the Department for International Development:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the current situation of migrants and refugees in (1) Sudan, and (2) Libya; and whether there has been any change in the direction of migration between those countries.

Sudan is a source, destination and transit point for migrants. While migrants have been accommodated by the Government of Sudan, their policy of encampment limits durable solutions. Integration is very challenging and most African migrants do not have the right to legally work in Sudan; third country resettlement is not viable as the UNHCR programme is currently suspended. Return is not possible for Eritreans due to human rights concerns. Protection is weak and many migrants are exploited.

In Libya, we remain deeply concerned over the appalling conditions for migrants in detention centres, particularly given the current escalation in violence. We urge all sides to ensure the safety of civilians, including vulnerable refugees/migrants; and continue to pressure the Libyan authorities to pursue alternatives to detention and implement a better functioning migration system that respects human rights. These efforts are part of our wider approach to protecting those who are travelling on the dangerous migration route into Libya.

There is insufficient data on border crossings between Sudan and Libya to be able to assess whether there has been any recent change in the direction of migration between those countries. Instability in both Libya and Sudan is likely to cause further displacement.