EU extends civilian mission in Libya for a year to come

The European Union has decided to extend its civilian mission in Libya for a year to come and has allocated a $18.92 million budget for the task, Reuters reported on Thursday.

“Kicked off in May 2013, the Tunis-based body’s mandate has been extended several times, with the last due to expire on Aug. 21. It aims to provide advice to Libyan authorities on migration, border security, counter-terrorism and criminal justice issues.”

EU foreign ministers in May agreed to help Libya rebuild its shattered navy and coastguard to tackle migrant smugglers in respond to a request from the new U.N.-backed unity government in Tripoli.

Libya has become a favorable departure point for African migrants and migrants from other countries as the security situation is not stable in the country. Numbers of dead migrants continue to rise and bad conditions at the shelter centers for the captured migrants are continuously reported by humanitarian organisations.