Closing safe and legal options for people to reach Europe pushes them further into people smugglers' networks. In Libya, the detention of migrants and refugees is a thriving enterprise of kidnapping and extortion.
MSF is saving the lives of people trying to cross the central Mediterranean Sea with our own search and rescue vessel, Geo Barents. We also provide assistance to people held in Libyan detention centres and those arriving in Europe.
![Webclip - 3 Things to Know: Impact of Migration Policies (EN) Webclip - 3 Things to Know: Impact of Migration Policies (EN)](https://img.msf.org/Docs/MSF/Media/TR1/a/7/3/f/MSF286431.jpg)
Webclip - 3 Things to Know: Impact of Migration Policies
3 things to know - the impact of migration policies
The EU's migration policies are having a direct impact across the Mediterranean Sea, while people are trying to flee dangerous conditions in Libya. Here are three ways that the EU's policies on migration impact on the lives of people trying to seek safety.
![Aquarius SAR: Winter conditions and high seas Aquarius SAR: Winter conditions and high seas](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/4m4uw437dhd5378i31a0g78j626x066q.jpg)
Drowning skyrockets as European governments block humanitarian assistance on Central Mediterranean
![Rubber boat is waiting for a rescue Rubber boat is waiting for a rescue](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/540s1cp70laar1n741r7nse8f51cjlp4.jpg)
Humanitarian reasons versus political interests
![Rubber boat is waiting for a rescue Rubber boat is waiting for a rescue](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/0xv2ic1487eh3l70mglsd47874pa5j5t.jpg)
NGOs are not in collusion with smugglers
![Aquarius leaves Valencia to SAR Aquarius leaves Valencia to SAR](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/068807li55711cf1o87n2p7iart3gx18.jpg)
European government policies condemn people to be locked up in Libya or drown at sea
![MSF Doctor David Beversluis - Spokesperson MSF Doctor David Beversluis - Spokesperson](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/g1s66566wknm0b81l16n08egs35c4pg4.jpg)
Over 600 rescued people adrift in Europe’s political limbo
![Aquarius Disembarking at Valencia Port Spain Aquarius Disembarking at Valencia Port Spain](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/ffi36jqp2hextouj4a8nb7g521f77tl5.jpg)
European governments must put people’s lives before politics
![Diplomatic Stand Off Mediterranean Sea Diplomatic Stand Off Mediterranean Sea](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/oas21o67ru276ac602b1u72i3dcn0e3d.jpg)
MSF urges immediate disembarkation of 629 people on board Aquarius at nearest port of safety
![Aquarius Miracle](/sites/default/files/styles/card_half/public/images/aquarius-26-05-2018.jpg?itok=bUE0usJX)
A healthy baby boy called Miracle born on the Aquarius
![MSF assistance to migrants and refugees in Libya MSF assistance to migrants and refugees in Libya](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/w271278vw2i22e7vcp0320006se2da7d.jpg)
The dangers refugees face fleeing
Research and analysis
![Rescue trainings - Rotation 4 Rescue trainings - Rotation 4](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/8ji70csc1k0m2c3s0pd6d64p5jk06017.jpg)
Left to Drown in the Southern European Border: One year of Geo Barents at sea
![Samos island Samos island](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/g84757lqd106f5bq0ax2s51en5byho4d.jpg)
Constructing Crisis at Europe’s Border
![Journey to Valencia Spain Journey to Valencia Spain](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/t3lw4at7l65y3a5n8a235mnp614301uq.jpg)
The Aquarius Aquarium
![Winter Living Conditions in Belgrade, Serbia Winter Living Conditions in Belgrade, Serbia](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/vd7n68qs11e0a3a352mtamv5qt2jq3gi.jpg)
One year after the EU-Turkey deal: migrants and asylum seekers are paying the price with their health
![Trapani Italy - refugee reception and mental health Trapani Italy - refugee reception and mental health](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/21m002nh672d05viywhy6ubd20yx2wk4.jpg)