BRUSSELS - The European Union (EU) on Thursday announced the sanctions against six human smugglers in a statement.

The six individuals, four of Libyan nationality and two of Eritrean nationality, will subject to a travel ban and an asset freeze.

They are key figures in human trafficking and migrant smuggling activities in and around Libya.

The EU's decision follows the sanctions against these people adopted by the United Nations on June 7.

It is the first time that the UN imposes sanctions against human traffickers. The decision by the UN Security Council committee was the result of coordinated efforts of several EU members states, according to the statement.