In a recent conference held in Tripoli, Libya, North African nations Libya and Tunisia have made a poignant appeal to European countries to increase aid in addressing the severe migration crisis that has long plagued their regions. The conference underscored the urgent need for enhanced support to manage the staggering flow of refugees and migrants, many of whom are risking perilous sea journeys from North Africa to Europe in search of better lives.

Libya, a primary departure point for these migrants—predominantly from sub-Saharan Africa—has become a focal point in the migration crisis. Since 2014, the central Mediterranean route has witnessed more than 20,000 deaths and disappearances, according to United Nations data, making it one of the most treacherous migrant crossings globally. The dangerous journeys undertaken by migrants seeking refuge have become emblematic of the broader challenges faced in the region.

The European Union has ramped up efforts in recent years to curb migration, which includes providing equipment and financial support to the Libyan Coast Guard. However, this approach has faced criticism due to the Coast Guard’s associations with militias accused of human rights abuses and other criminal activities. As a result, many migrants have ended up stranded in Libya, often detained in conditions that rights organizations describe as inhumane.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported in May that over 706,000 migrants were present in Libya at the start of the year. However, Libyan officials argue that the true number exceeds two million, highlighting the vast scale of the migration challenge.

The Tripoli conference brought together officials and stakeholders from both North Africa and Europe to address these pressing issues. The discussions centered on the need for increased humanitarian aid, improved living conditions for migrants, and more effective measures to combat the root causes of migration.

Libya and Tunisia’s call for enhanced European support reflects a growing recognition of the need for a collaborative approach to address this complex crisis. The hope is that increased international aid will not only provide immediate relief to those stranded but also contribute to long-term solutions that address the underlying factors driving migration.

The conference’s outcomes will be closely watched, as they could shape future policies and aid strategies aimed at alleviating the suffering of migrants and improving the overall management of migration in the region.