With a vote of 14 in favor, the United Nations Security Council on Oct. 9 approved a resolution to allow the European Union to inspect and seize vessels suspected of smuggling migrants. Authorized under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, the resolution permits certain nations to board ships in order to prevent human trafficking. Those nations may review vessels they have "reasonable grounds to suspect are being used for migrant smuggling or human trafficking from Libya." The Council also urged nations to help Libya in its ongoing struggle against human trafficking in the Mediterranean Sea.

From Jurist, Oct. 10. Used with permission.

Note: The resolution comes as the EU has launched "Operation Sophia" to intercept boats smuggling migrants in the southern Mediterranean. (EU Bulletin, Oct. 7)