From Sola Ojo, Abuja
The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has helped over 100,000 migrants voluntarily return home from Libya since launching its Voluntary Humanitarian Return (VHR) programme in 2015.
The intervention, funded by the European Union, was supported by the governments of Italy, the United Kingdom, Norway, Denmark, and Switzerland.
IOM Libya Chief of Mission, Nicoletta Giordano, said in a statement on Thursday that the figure reflected a decade of efforts to offer a lifeline to migrants stranded in precarious conditions across the country.
To date, tens of thousands of migrants have returned safely and voluntarily to 49 countries of origin across Africa and Asia, including Nigeria, Mali, Niger, Bangladesh, and The Gambia, he said.
“Of those assisted, nearly 73,000 were men, close to 17,000 women, and over 10,000 children, some of whom were unaccompanied, a reflection of the diversity and vulnerability of Libya’s migrant population.
“In a context where protection risks remain high and regular pathways are limited, VHR offers a crucial, life-saving option for those who wish to return home.
“While we continue to provide humanitarian aid to vulnerable populations, we are also working to support more sustainable, long-term solutions.”
He added that the programme has served as a lifeline for migrants seeking to go home voluntarily.
“In a context where protracted instability, limited regular pathways, and protection risks leave many migrants stranded in precarious conditions, VHR offers a safe, dignified, and rights-based alternative.
“VHR covers a comprehensive package of pre-departure and post-return assistance, including protection services, health screenings, mental health and psychosocial support, travel document facilitation, and reintegration assistance.
“IOM ensures that every return is voluntary and based on informed consent, even when migrants are faced with constrained options, in line with the Organisation’s return, readmission, and reintegration policy and its due diligence process.
“The programme also includes robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, including return and reintegration assessments, to strengthen accountability and improve service delivery.
“Last week alone, five return flights were organised, two from Benghazi, two from Sebha, and one from Misrata, underscoring the programme’s broad operational reach.
“Among those recently assisted are John and Temnaia, a married Nigerian couple who met in Libya. As they tried to build a life together, challenges mounted, especially after the birth of their daughter, who had no access to education.
“We didn’t see a future for her here. Their story echoes that of many others who turn to VHR as a pathway toward safety and a chance to begin again in more stable conditions,” the statement read in part.
While VHR provides critical support for many, IOM remains deeply concerned about the persistent challenges and risks faced by migrants along the Central Mediterranean Route.
The Organisation remains committed to facilitating safe, dignified, and rights-based solutions for migrants who choose to return home, while continuing to engage with partners to ensure protection and pursue durable outcomes for all, Giordano stressed.