Libya’s government is considering closing all migrant detention centres in the wake of an airstrike that killed 53 people after it was reported that guards shot at detainees trying to flee the attack. Overnight the air force of Gen Khalifa Haftar kept up its bombardment of the Libyan capital, Tripoli, mounting raids on the international airport.

A UN humanitarian report said there were two airstrikes in the early hours of Wednesday morning, one hitting an unoccupied garage and one hitting a hangar housing about 120 refugees and migrants. Reports, including from UN agencies, suggested guards forced the refugees to stay in the Tajoura detention centre after the first strike hit the garage, only for the second missile to hit the hangar. “There are reports that following the first impact, some refugees and migrants were fired upon by guards as they tried to escape,” the UN report said.

The UN-recognised government of national accord (GNA) has accused the force led by Haftar of mounting the air raid. Haftar launched a military assault on the capital on 4 April in an effort to oust the GNA, which he claims is supported by terrorists and Islamists. The GNA interior minister, Fathi Bashagha, said on Thursday his officials were discussing closing all detention centres and releasing the refugees and migrants for their own safety.(Theguardian)…[+]

At least 80 migrants are feared dead after a boat capsized off the coast of Tunisia.

Four people were rescued from the inflatable vessel – which sank in waters near the town of Zarzis – but one died later in hospital, reports said. The three Malians who were rescued said that they had set out from Zuwara in Libya. The country is a main departure point for migrants hoping to reach Europe. Libya has been torn by violence and division since long-time ruler Muammar Gaddafi was deposed and killed in 2011. Thousands of migrants, many from sub-Saharan Africa, are being held in detention camps in the country. On Wednesday at least 53 migrants were killed when a detention centre in Tripoli was hit by an air strike.(BBC)…[+]

BRIDGETOWN- The Caribbean Development Bank is moving closer to finalising its first Youth Policy and Operational Strategy (YPOS), which will guide its youth-related investments in the Region.

On July 27 – 28, stakeholders from 17 of CDB’s Borrowing Member Countries (BMCs) met in Barbados for a regional workshop to discuss recommendations coming from the consultations and youth study the Bank has been conducting to inform and shape the YPOS. The workshop brought together a range of stakeholders in youth development, including permanent secretaries, directors of youth, youth leaders, and representatives from academia and development organisations. Director of Projects at CDB, Daniel Best noted that the Bank has provided over USD1 billion for youth development programmes and projects over its nearly 50 years of existence, but has not, to date, adopted a dedicated policy and strategy to guide these investments.

“Despite encouraging results from projects which impact our youth, we acknowledge that there is room for even better youth development outcomes,” stated Best. He said the YPOS is an important initiative for CDB as positive youth development outcomes align with CDB’s strategic priorities and are essential to the Region’s sustainable development.  “This forum matters a lot to us at the Bank given our mandate to reduce poverty in our Borrowing Member Countries. This will only be possible if we create societies in which our youth can thrive. More than 60% of our region’s population is under the age of 30; this group represents a valuable resource for the sustainable development of our Region,” emphasised the Director…[+]