PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Libya: Human Rights (27 November 2018)

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps the Government has taken to ensure that the funding allocated from the public purse to (a) Libyan detention centres and (b) training the Libyan coastguard does not contribute to human rights violations.

Asked by:
Fabian Hamilton (Labour)

​The UK does not fund the operation of Libyan detention centres. Our humanitarian support is carefully targeted to address the worst aspects of the detention centres in Libya, protect migrants' human rights and improve conditions. This includes providing essential relief items and medical consultations, and improving facilities. All of our work is underpinned throughout by the 'do-no-harm' principle, with various checks in place to consider possible risks to vulnerable migrants, and to ensure human rights compliance.

UK support for the Libyan Coastguard aims to increase Libya's ability to secure its own maritime borders in a human rights compliant way, with a focus on rescue activities and disrupting people smuggling. We expect all vessels to operate in accordance with International Maritime Law, including the exercise of restraint in the use of force, and adherence to established human rights norms.

Answered by:
Alistair Burt (Conservative)
5 December 2018