Mogadishu – IOM, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), has provided assistance for 164 migrants from Somalia, including minors, stranded in war-torn Libya, to return home, 

The migrants were assisted under IOM’s Voluntary Humanitarian Return (VHR) programme, funded by the European Union, which supports stranded migrants in returning to their countries of origin. 

The chartered flight carrying the migrants landed on 24 October at Egal International Airport in Hargeisa to disembark 55 migrants before continuing to Aden Abdulle International Airport in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, to disembark 109 migrants  

On board the flight were migrants, mostly young men below the age of 30, including minors, who had had been stranded in Libya for months after being abused and exploited by armed groups of smugglers and human traffickers.  

These migrants have endured conditions no one should face. The European Union, in partnership with the Federal Government of Somalia, and IOM, is committed to helping the returnees access the services and opportunities they need to restart their lives and to move forward with dignity. Said the EU Ambassador to Somalia, Karin Johansson.  

Each year, hundreds of Somali migrants embark on irregular journeys along what is known as the Northern Mediterranean Route, passing through multiple countries in hopes of reaching Europe. From Somalia they travel through Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt. The vast majority are in desperate search of better economic conditions. A significant number are exposed to human rights violations in Libya including violence and torture perpetuated by smugglers and human traffickers. 

According to IOM’s Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) report published in July, more than 1,500 Somali migrants remain stranded in Libya and are living in dangerous and precarious conditions. Insecurity and the lack of essentials such as food, shelter and healthcare make life in Libya dangerous for migrants. Thousands urgently require protection and humanitarian assistance.  

“Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of migrants is central to our efforts. We urge the international community for greater lifesaving activities including more Voluntary Humanitarian Return flights which are a lifeline for stranded migrants in Libya. Without such flights, thousands of migrants are left without a safe route home, and they will be left exposed to various forms of violence, coercion, abuse and exploitation,” said Prestage Murima, Deputy Chief of Mission, IOM Somalia  

Since August 2022, IOM has helped return of a total of 457 Somali migrants from Libya through VHR, under IOM Somalia’s Migrant Protection, Return, and Reintegration in Sub-Saharan Africa (MPRR-SSA) programme, supported by the European Union. Of these, 194 have received economic reintegration support to help them rebuild their lives, including financial support for temporary shelter, medical help, including mental health and psychosocial support, and onward transportation for those reuniting with families elsewhere in Somalia. Financial support is also given to help returning migrants continue their education or start small businesses. The flight was organized in collaboration with the Somali Embassy in Libya and the Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for Migration, Returns and Children’s Rights (OSPE) of the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS). 

For more information, contact IOM Somalia: somaliacomms@iom.int