TRIPOLI, Libya (FinalCall.com) - Each year thousands of Africans faced with poverty and or confl ict are lured by dreams of a better life to leave their homeland for Europe.

Increasingly they are met with racism, more poverty and often death when poorly made boats sink.

The leader of Libya, Muammar Gadhafi , was moved by their plight and organized a conference, January 15-17, to address migrant needs and concerns. More than 500 delegates and speakers came from around the world to attend the conference organized under the theme, “A Decent Life in Europe or a Welcome Return to Africa.”

“We should live in Europe with decency and dignity,” he told the attendees in a private session. “We need a good relationship with Europe not a relationship of master and slave. There should be strong relationship between Africa and Europe. Our presence should be strong, tangible and good. It’s up to you as the Africans in the Diaspora. We have to continue more and more until the unity of Africa is achieved.”