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2nd LD Writethru: UN Security Council adopts resolution on migrant smuggling in Mediterranean

Xinhua, October 10, 2015 Adjust font size:

The UN Security Council on Friday adopted a resolution aimed at disrupting human trafficking and the smuggling of migrants on the high seas off the coast of Libya.

The resolution decides to authorize member states acting nationally or through regional organizations, including the European Union (EU), to inspect vessels that are suspected of being used for migrant smuggling or human trafficking from Libya.

It also decides to authorize member states to seize vessels that are confirmed as being used for smuggling or trafficking, and underscores that further action with regard to such vessels, including disposal, will be taken in accordance with international law.

These authorizations are for a period of one year from the date of the adoption.

The 15-nation council adopted the resolution with 14 voting in favor, and Venezuela abstaining.

The resolution also emphasizes that migrants should be treated with humanity and dignity and their rights be fully respected.

In August, the UN Refugee Agency said this year, the number of refugees and migrants crossing the Mediterranean route, including Syria, has exceeded 300,000. Some 2,500 refugees and migrants are estimated to have died or gone missing when they were trying to reach Europe.

Venezuelan Ambassador to the UN Rafael Darío Ramírez Carreno said Venezuela abstained because they believe that the refugee and migrant crisis is being tackled in an "erroneous" fashion from "a military approach."

Libyan Ambassador Ibrahim O. Dabbashi said that they believe the crisis should be dealt with by addressing the root causes such as armed conflict, economic crisis and poverty, and this needs concerted efforts from the international community to assist Libya.

Libya, a major oil producer in North Africa, has been witnessing a frayed political process after former leader Muammar Gaddafi was toppled during the 2011 political turmoil, as two rival parliaments vying for power and several groups have been fighting for control of national resource wealth. Endit