Diplomats announced on Wednesday, September 18, that the United Nations Security Council intends to allow European naval forces to search ships in international waters to combat human traffickers. According to AFP, ships leaving Libya are the main subject of the Security Council's draft resolution. Vitaly Churkin, Russia's ambassador to the UN, stated that this resolution is likely to be approved in September. Churkin mentioned that this draft, proposed by Britain, is more limited than a previous draft that allowed European naval forces to pursue traffickers in Libyan waters. According to this Russian official, who holds the rotating presidency of the Security Council, the previous draft was set aside as it required the approval of the Libyan government, which does not control the coastal areas of the country. If the new draft is approved, ships carrying refugees and illegal migrants will be seized or destroyed, and legal action will be taken against traffickers. Initial assistance will be provided to refugees, who will be directed to Italy, where they can apply for asylum. Meanwhile, reports indicate that the Hungarian army has begun military exercises to prepare for the potential protection of the country's borders against a flood of refugees. The army will assist the Hungarian police at the Serbian border to prevent the entry of refugees. Hungarian parliament representatives will vote this month on laws to impose stricter measures against refugees. Human rights organizations have severely criticized Hungary's treatment of refugees. Most of the refugees, many of whom are Syrian nationals, aim to reach Germany from Hungary. Senior EU officials have urged member states to accept tens of thousands of refugees, whose numbers are increasing daily, while also calling for enhanced border controls. Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission, has asked EU members to accommodate 160,000 refugees in their countries. In this context, Amnesty International has stated that European refugee policies require 'serious changes.'
Possibility of European Naval Forces Engaging in Human Trafficking Combat
The UN Security Council is considering a resolution allowing European naval forces to combat human trafficking in international waters, particularly targeting ships leaving Libya. This comes amid rising numbers of refugees, with Hungary preparing military measures to control its borders. The situation highlights the ongoing refugee crisis in Europe and the need for coordinated responses.
👥 Key Players
⚡ Actions
📰 What Happened
UN Security Council allows European naval forces to combat human traffickers in international waters.
- United Nations Security Council announce European naval forces, human traffickers
- European naval forces seize ships carrying refugees and illegal migrants
- Hungarian army prepare Hungary's borders
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
The UN's decision may lead to increased naval operations in the Mediterranean, affecting migration patterns.
📝 Key Evidence
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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Translation confidence: 85%