Human trafficking networks are a well known profiteer for Libyan officials. Before the NATO backed military intervention occurred in Libya in 2011, then leader Mu’ammar Gaddafi would boast about the success human traffickers had in bringing African asylum-seekers to European countries. Today, these human trafficking networks exist in abundance. Government officials, individual traffickers, and arguably the Libyan economy have financially benefited from smuggling.
The global migration crisis has left millions fleeing their home countries in search of a better life. Unfortunately, they have been subject to abuse and oftentimes left to rot in detention centers along the smuggling routes, in Libya, or in underground economies. European countries, especially those on the frontier of shared Mediterranean Sea channels with Libya, have financed and implemented preventative tactics which abandon, trap, or forget transient populations. This then begs the question “Are European countries defying the law of non-refoulement?”
In this week’s episode, Rai is joined by a team from Critica Research and Analysis. She is joined by Founder Dr. Nadia Al-Dayel, Executive Director Dr. Aaron Anfinson, and Research Practitioner Graeme Anfinson. The four discuss human trafficking networks in Libya, who and why people are leaving their home countries, the details of the journey these victims endure, the dangers of the route itself, and the lack of aid from the international community. Lastly, the team discuss different ways listeners can help from home.
Disclaimer: The views expressed by the participants are not policy views (official or unofficial) from any federal agency or the United States government. Critica Research and Analysis Critica is non-partisan research center with multidisciplinary expertise drawn from international institutions and contexts. It provides insight on issues of conflict, security, and human rights. Their analysis meets the highest standard of scholarship. Their research is published in peer reviewed journals aimed at policy makers and academia.
If you want to keep up with our speakers:
Critica Research and Analysis – https://www.criticaresearch.com/
Dr. Nadia Al-Dayel | @N_Al_Dayel
Dr. Aaron Anfinson | @AaronAnf
Graeme Anfinson | @AnfinsonGraeme
Resources used or referenced in this episode:
Al-Dayel, N, Anfinson A, & Anfinson G (2021) Captivity, Migration, and Power in Libya. Critica Research – https://www.criticaresearch.com/captivity-migration-libya
International Organization for Migration – https://www.iom.int/
United Nations – Smuggling of Migrants – https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/data-and-analysis/glosom.html
Global Rights Defenders 