Libya migrant graves spark EU funding row

International organisations have called for the European Union to suspend funding to Libya following the discovery of a mass grave in the country’s south-eastern region.

The Libyan Public Prosecutor’s Office reported on 9 February that 28 African migrants’ bodies were found in a mass grave near an illegal detention centre in the Kufra region, where authorities also discovered migrants living in poor conditions.

In a joint statement, organisations including CCFD-Terre Solidaire, Human Rights Watch, Sea-Watch, Rights Society in Greece and the Egyptian Human Rights Forum urged EU action.

They cited a European Court of Auditors report that highlighted the failure of EU funding to Libya in addressing human rights concerns.

The groups drew parallels with the European Commission’s recent review of funding agreements with Tunisia following human rights violations by Tunisian security forces, calling for similar measures in Libya.

They emphasised that EU funding, including contributions from Italy and France, had failed to improve conditions for those seeking safety.

The organisations suggested redirecting these funds towards life-saving initiatives and establishing safe passage routes as alternatives to dangerous Mediterranean crossings.