Migrant Rescue Watch: April 2020

Sunday, April 26, 2020

Hygiene and prevention of diseases lecture at Kufra Immigration Shelter

* Libya 21.03.20 - DCIM Admin at Kufra Immigration Shelter conducted awareness lecture on hygiene, prevention of diseases and current global health hazards including #coronavirus. Despite lacking proper resources all stranded #migrants received basic hygiene kit including face mask and disposable gloves. Currently there are over 70 #migrants stranded in the shelter awaiting repatriation.

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#SAR #LibyanCoastguard #migrants #migrantcrisis #TogetherForRescue #Frontex #Seenotrettung #LibyscheKüstenwache #wirschickeneinschiff #SeaWatch #OpenArms #OceanViking #AlanKurdi #together4rescue #UNHCR

Triq Al Sekka DCIM administration orders disinfection of all facilities

* Libya 21.03.20 - In light of current global health emergency DCIM Admin ordered a complete clean up and sterilization of all facilities at Triq Al Sekka Immigration Detention Center.
Next Monday and Tuesday awareness raising lectures on #Coronavirus will be conducted by specialized medical team for both stranded #migrants and Police staff.

[UPDATE] 23.03.20 - Clean up campaign and sterilization of all facilities continues at Triq Al Sekka Immigration Detention Center.

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Saturday, April 25, 2020

Police arrested ambulance driver and assistants for smuggling illegal migrants

* Libya 20.03.20 - Special Criminal Investigation Unit patrol arrested in Sirte ambulance driver and assistants who were smuggling illegal #migrants for fee from Ajdabiya to Al-Khums. All accused including #migrants referred to Public Prosecutor for legal action.

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Head of Kufra Immigration Shelter issues emergency plea for assistance

* Libya 20.03.20 - Head of Kufra Immigration Shelter Lt. Muhammad al-Fadil issued an emergency plea for assistance to Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Health stating that the shelter is unprepared to face existing health hazards incl. #Coronavirus. He also called on all authorities to immediately strengthen the protection of southern borders in light of current global health emergency.

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Ajdabiya Police raided suspected smugglers safe house

* Libya 18.03.20 - Joint Police Task Force during early morning hours raided a suspected smugglers safe house and apprehended a group of illegal #migrants including 1 accomplice acting as tenant. During raid Police seized large quantities of illicit drugs, alcohol, white weapons and other goods. All transferred to Ajdabiya Security Directorate for referral to Public Prosecutor.

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Suq al Khamis DCIM administration orders disinfection of all facilities

* Libya 16.03.20 - DCIM Admin ordered a complete clean up and disinfection of all facilities at Suq al Khamis Immigration Detention Center in Al-Khums. Also new water pumps were installed and all septic tanks thoroughly cleaned.

#IOM staff provided all stranded #migrants with new mattresses, fresh clothing and cleaning products.

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Shahat DCIM Admin reduces staff due to coronavirus

* Libya 16.03.20 - DCIM Admin at Shahat Immigration Shelter ordered reduction of staff for a period of 15 days due to current #CoronaVirus crisis. There are currently 92 #migrants (all male) stranded at the shelter, some require medical assistance due to pre-existing conditions. Represented nationalities: Bangladesh, Chad, Egypt, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.

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Qanfudah Immigration Shelter administration orders disinfection of all facilities

* Libya 17.03.20 - In light of current global health crisis head of DCIM Lt. Col. Ashraf Hussein Howaidi acting on recommendation of National Safety Authority ordered a complete clean up and disinfection of the Qanfudah Immigration Shelter.

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Municipal Guard arrested vendor transporting illegal migrants

* Libya 16.03.20 - Zawiya Municipal Guard arrested a street vendor transporting bakery products with a group of illegal #migrants hidden in the back of the car. All referred to Security Directorate for legal proceedings.

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Libyan Navy ship "Ibn Ouf " to be used as COVID-19 isolation and quarantine center

Libya 25.03.20 - On orders of Libyan Navy Chief of Staff the "Ibn Ouf" ship will be converted to a stationary clinic and quarantine in case of #COVID19 outbreak. Necessary preparation and supplies for time of emergency are currently underway.

[UPDATE] 31.03.20 - In response to #COVID19 Libyan Navy commenced with preparation of "Ibn Ouf" to fulfill a role of clinic and quarantine in case of emergency. The ship has a capacity of 210 beds, refrigerators, stores and a small clinic therefore can be used as a mobile hospital.

[UPDATE] 01.04.20 - Preparations and work in full swing on board the Libyan Navy ship “Ibn Ouf” which is currently being converted for use as an emergency hospital and quarantine in response to #COVID19.

[UPDATE] 01.04.20 - Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defence inspecting progress of work on board the Libyan navy ship "Ibn Ouf".

[UPDATE] 09.04.20 - Despite challenging circumstances and ongoing clashes conversion of the Libyan Navy ship "Ibn Ouf" to a mobile emergency hospital continues at a fast pace. The ship will be fitted with 36 rooms each equipped with bed, ventilator and other medical devices needed for necessary care of patients. Work is scheduled for completion in 10 days.

[UPDATE] 21.04.20 - Conversion of the Libyan Navy ship "Ibn Ouf" to a mobile clinic and quarantine for #Covid19 patients is nearing completion.

[UPDATE] 25.04.20 - Final touches. Work is being finalized on the conversion of the Libyan Navy ship "Ibn Ouf" to a mobile clinic and quarantine for #Covid19 patients.

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