Tripoli — The World Health Organisation’s representative in Libya, Dr Ahmed Zouiten, has stressed that voluntary refugee returns must be carried out “solely on the free will of the refugee” and only under appropriate humanitarian and security conditions. Speaking during a high‑level international meeting on combating illegal migration, convened by Libya’s interior ministry in Tripoli, Zouiten warned that returns cannot be considered an option unless safe and stable environments exist in countries of origin.
Zouiten said WHO, alongside UN agencies and participating embassies, fully supports joint coordination between Libyan and international bodies to implement the national programme for the repatriation of illegal migrants. He described the programme as an organised process built on humanitarian approaches.
He pointed to the role of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, which continues to back all procedures related to refugee returns, whether through resettlement in third countries or repatriation when conditions allow. Zouiten emphasised that the organisation is particularly focused on vulnerable groups, notably Sudanese refugees facing severe hardship.
The WHO representative also praised Libya’s interior ministry for its management and governance of migration issues, noting that the organisation “commends all efforts led by Interior Minister Emad Trabelsi in this vital file.” He underlined that the United Nations stands behind the ministry in ensuring humanitarian standards are upheld.
