Migration: why Libya is the critical link in a deadly chain

In a recent speech to the European Parliament, Pope Francis lamented that the Mediterranean has become "a vast cemetery" for illegal migrants trying to get to Europe. The Mediterranean is now the deadliest sea in the world for migrants, according to the International Organisation for Migration, and Libya is their gateway of choice.

Where do the migrants come from?

According to the International Organisation for Migration, most of the migrants trying to cross the Mediterranean are from war-torn Middle Eastern and African countries. Many were Syrians and Eritreans who arrived in Libya via Egypt and other African countries. Libya is just a few hours' boat journey from the Italian southern island Lampadusa.

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How do they get to Libya?

One of the Syrian migrants told Al Araby Al Jadeed Arabic newspaper he entered Libya illegally through the border with Egypt. He paid Libyan smugglers to take him from the city of Baida, 120 miles east of Benghazi, to Tripoli. With the help of smugglers he was able to pass through Tripoli airport without any legal documents.

What happens to them next?

In Zwara, 75 miles south of Tripoli, hundreds of migrants are held in a small building guarded by members of armed militias. Al Araby Al Jadeed says that one group of Syrian and African migrants were poorly treated while being held in this building, and then herded onto a small dilapidated wooden boat. Only 100 out of 500 travellers on one boat were given life jackets.

Why Libya has become a base for illegal migration?

BBC Arabic says illegal migration increased in Libya after the fall of Muammar Gaddafi. The rule of law broke down and, in the absence of sufficient international assistance to rebuild its institutions, armed militias rose up to fill the power vacuum. Many of these militia are now involved in the profitable business of human trafficking