The United Nations has called on the European countries to end the suffering of asylum seekers rescued in the Mediterranean, and not to return them to Libya.

This came in a statement made by the spokesman of the United Nations Secretary-General, Stephane Dujarric, who confirmed that at least six boats have left the Libyan coast since the beginning of this month.

About 500 immigrants were on board these boats according to estimates of the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

Dujarric said that many European countries have tightened the grip on their borders in an attempt to contain the coronavirus epidemic.

He emphasized the need for measures to combat the epidemic in line with the principles of international law, insisting that priority should be given to protecting the most vulnerable.