Question to the Department for International Development:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their response to the report produced by Oxfam and Doctors for Human Rights on the experience of refugees, not least women, fleeing war, persecution and poverty while they are in or transiting Libya; and what action they are taking to ensure that their policies are designed to meet the humanitarian needs of such people, and to ensure rights of safe passage.

DFID are aware of Oxfam’s recent report and share their concerns. The UK provides humanitarian aid to migrants and refugees in Libya and specific support to women and girls at risk of sexual and gender based violence and trafficking. So far this year, DFID has supported more than 20,000 emergency interventions such as healthcare, psychosocial support, hygiene kits and safe shelter. The UK Government has also helped more than 1,400 vulnerable migrants to return home from Libya.

Our resettlement schemes provide refugees with a safe and legal route to the UK, rather than risking hazardous journeys towards Europe. We also support the principle of family reunification.