EU defends its Libya migrant record over UN team allegations

By LORNE COOK
Associated Press

BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union is defending its record on helping relieve migrant suffering in Libya after U.N.-backed investigators accused the bloc of abetting human rights abuses and other crimes there. Libya is a major departure point for people willing to put their lives at risk for better lives or sanctuary in Europe. A U.N.-commissioned investigator says EU assistance to Libya “has aided and abetted the commission of the crimes,” including crimes against humanity. A European Commission spokesman said Tuesday that no EU funds go directly to Libya. Spokesman Peter Stano says that “not doing anything is not an answer.” He says the EU’s aim is “to help to improve the situation of the people stranded in Libya.”