UN says 1,350 refugees evacuated from Libya in 2019

TRIPOLI, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- The UN Higher Commission of Refugees (UNHCR) said on Sunday that 1,350 refugees have been evacuated from Libya to third countries in 2019.

A total of "1,350 refugees left Libya to safe third countries through evacuation or resettlement program in 2019," the UNHCR tweeted.

On Saturday, "31 refugees left ... with hopes to start a new chapter of their lives," it added.

Because of the insecurity and chaos, Libya is a preferred point of departure for illegal immigrants wanting to cross the Mediterranean to reach Europe, many of whom drown on the way.

The UNHCR has said Libya is not a safe port for disembarkation for migrants given the worsening security conditions in the North African country.