UN authorises European Union seize migrant-smuggling vessels on high seas off Libya

Libya has turned into a major hub for human traffickers smuggling African migrants by boat to Italy

Libya has turned into a major hub for human traffickers smuggling African migrants by boat to Italy (Reuters)

The UN Security Council has adopted a resolution to authorise the European Union and individual countries to seize migrant-smuggling vessels on the high seas off Libya.

The resolution, negotiated off and on for months, is under Chapter 7 of the UN Charter, which means it can be militarily enforced, something African members of the 15-member council had expressed concern about.

The Associated Press said the resolution also authorises the European Union and individual nations to board vessels “with a view to saving the threatened lives of migrants or of victims of human trafficking.”

“People cannot profit from this evil trade with impunity,” said British UN Ambassador Matthew Rycroft, calling the crisis one of the UN's greatest challenges of this generation.

The International Organisation for Migration says 2,987 migrants have died so far in 2015 in the Mediterranean Sea crossing.

The resolution authorises the search and seizure operation for one year. It says migrants “should be treated with humanity and dignity.”

Council diplomats have said migrants on vessels that are searched and seized would be taken to Europe.

The resolution underscores that the intention is not to prevent individuals from exercising their human rights or prevent them from seeking protection.

Venezuela was the only council member that did not approve the resolution, instead abstaining and saying the crisis requires a broader approach beyond a military one.

The EU initially wanted a naval operation in Libyan territorial waters and along its coast, but Libya objected. Its approval is needed for such an operation, but the North African country remains divided between two rival governments, which the UN is trying to lead into a final peace deal.

Smugglers have exploited the chaos in the country to launch often flimsy boats full of migrants and refugees toward Europe.

The original draft of the resolution approved Friday would have authorised the destruction of the vessels, but the resolution that was eventually adopted stated that any action on disposal of a seized vessel must be taken in accordance with international law "with due consideration of the interests of any third parties who have acted in good faith".