The European Union must launch a humanitarian mission in Libya to give the required assistance to migrants, thus incentivising them to stay there rather than risk the perils of sea travel, Foreign Affairs Minister Evarist Bartolo said.

A number of migrant boats, with some 250 people on board, are stranded between Malta and Libya. Both Malta and Italy have refused them entry into their ports. Malta has closed its ports to migrant vessels in view of the Covid-19 pandemic but has received harsh criticism from NGOs.

In a recorded message, Bartolo said the situation in Libya is worsening and all the ingredients exist for a major humanitarian crisis.

 Humanitarian aid in Libya is decreasing as a result of the Covid-19 crisis.

Malta and Italy have closed their ports because all their resources are being used to contain the pandemic, he said.

"Over the past years, Malta saved thousands of people and went over and above its legal obligations," Bartolo said, adding that Malta cannot afford diverting resources being used to contain the pandemic.  

"The EU must launch a humanitarian mission in Libya with immediate effect to provide shelter, food and medicine to the migrants there.It should provide them an incentive to remain in Libya, rather than risk their lives at sea, where rescue assets are scarce."

The NGOs that are urging migrants to travel to Europe illegally are "complicit in this human tragedy," he said.

The assistance provided by the EU must be substantial and immediate, the Foreign Affairs Minister said.

"Malta is ready to play its part in all this and will ensure that this humanitarian aid reaches its intended destination."

The EU must also help Libya purchase much needed medical equipment, he continued.

"Europe is facing an existential crisis. This is a time for action, to save people's lives. We are willing to do our part, but this situation requires a European response. If not, vulnerable people will die. If this aid is delayed, thousands of people will remain in desperate conditions, where their only option would be to travel by sea. The EU must act now, before there is a humanitarian catastrophe."