Mohamad Akila, head of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Protection Office in Libya talks to Correspondents about UNHCR commending his country’s role in helping refugees on its territory on World Refugee Day (June 20). Libya has seen an increase in migrants throughout the summer season, yet southern European countries like Italy are demanding the establishment of refugee camps within Libya to stop them from crossing the sea heading north.

Mohamad Akila, head of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Protection Office in Libya talks to Correspondents about UNHCR commending his country’s role in helping refugees on its territory on World Refugee Day (June 20). Libya has seen an increase in migrants throughout the summer season, yet southern European countries like Italy are demanding the establishment of refugee camps within Libya to stop them from crossing the sea heading north.

Mr. Akila, what has Libya done to deserve the accolades it received from UNHCR?

The most important is that Libya has allowed African refugees from insecure countries like Sudan and Somalia to stay on its territory. Not sending refugees back is a right constituted by the UNHCR and Libya is one of the countries that commits to it.

Moreover, Libya has not broken the international treaties concerning refugees; instead, it continues to provide them with health and educational services despite the difficult situation.

What are the most challenging problems that you face concerning refugees?

There are no local laws that regulate refugees and differentiate between them and migrants, which makes Libya view their case from a pure security, rather than humanitarian angle. Refugees’ rights are non-existent in Libya and what the state offers in this regard does not stem from its local laws.

Does the UNHCR raise awareness in this field in Libya?

Yes, it organizes regular awareness-raising workshops in governmental and non-governmental departments on refugees’ rights and the importance of protecting refugees and enacting appropriate and relevant laws.

Have you achieved positive results through these workshops, such as changing perspectives or increasing support for refugees?

Yes, a number of national activists trained in these workshops developed a draft proposal for a refugee law during 2013 and 2014, which included most of the international points and standards that guarantee refugees’ rights.

To which authority was the proposal presented and where is it now?

The proposal was presented to the Legislature and the Executive, but the current political divide has delayed issuing the law. The UNHCR is now working on presenting the proposal to the Government of National Accord.

Under the 2009 ‘Push Back’ Agreement concluded between Libya and Italy, the latter is entitled to send refugees back through Libya. Is the agreement still valid? And what is the UNHCR’s position regarding it?

The agreement was signed between Gaddafi and Italy to send refugees back once they reached Italian territories. However, the agreement is invalid now, but some European Union countries are trying to reactivate it.

How many people were sent back under the agreement and what happened to them?

Seven hundred Eritreans were sent back, but some of them sued the Italian government for compensation and won.