UN tries to cut numbers at EU-funded migrant center in Libya

The UN refugee agency is working to cut the number of migrants staying at an overcrowded transit center in Libya’s capital.

Charlie Yaxley, an UNCHR spokesman, tells the media on Saturday that "the situation is very difficult” as the center is at about twice its capacity, with some 1,200 migrants.

The UNCHR is asking those refugees not registered with the agency to leave the European Union-funded facility. The surrounding areas of Tripoli have been the scene of fighting between armed factions since April.

According to a document obtained by the media, the agency says it’ll phase out food distribution for the unregistered migrants, including dozens of tuberculosis patients, from Jan. 1.

Libya is a major waypoint for migrants fleeing war and poverty in Africa and the Middle East to Europe.

Associated Press