UN Experts Express Concern Over Migrant and Refugee Abuses in Libya

Strategic Insights -

UN experts have expressed grave concern about the mistreatment of migrants and refugees in Libya, who were allegedly held captive, tortured, and then released by Libyan authorities, only to be transferred to unknown detention centers where they face potential further human rights abuses. This incident is not isolated, and the experts fear for the safety of many more migrants and refugees, including victims of trafficking, who have been transferred to detention centers with restricted access. The experts have raised their concerns with the Government of Libya, but so far, there has been no response.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UN experts are concerned about the situation of 120 migrants and refugees allegedly released by the Libyan Directorate for Combating Illegal Migration (DCIM) from a warehouse in Tazirbu in February 2023.
  • An estimated 700 people have been allegedly released and transferred to detention centers after being held captive and tortured for ransom in various locations in Tazirbu, South-East Libya, over the past two years.
  • The experts are troubled by the Libyan authorities' delay in responding to concerns about trafficking in migrants and refugees and other serious human rights violations, including arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, torture, and sexual violence.
  • Migrants and refugees, including victims of trafficking, were reportedly taken by suspected traffickers from the border with Sudan to locations in Tazirbu, where they were detained and subjected to serious human rights violations, including torture, forced starvation, and sexual violence.
  • Graveyards containing the remains of at least 20 migrants and refugees who were victims of torture have reportedly been found.
  • The UN experts are concerned that detention based solely on migration status may amount to torture, particularly if it is intentionally used or maintained for purposes such as deterring, intimidating, or punishing irregular migrants or their families.
  • The experts are also concerned about the complicity of the Libyan authorities and the failure to conduct effective investigations to ensure accountability for these serious human rights violations and access to justice and remedies for victims.

Statistics:

  • 120 migrants and refugees allegedly released by the Libyan Directorate for Combating Illegal Migration (DCIM) from a warehouse in Tazirbu in February 2023.
  • 700 people allegedly released and transferred to detention centers after being held captive and tortured for ransom in various locations in Tazirbu, South-East Libya, over the past two years.
  • 20 migrants and refugees reportedly killed in captivity by suspected traffickers.
  • At least 1 Libyan national reportedly involved in detention abuses, with only non-Libyan nationals arrested.

Sources:

  • https://apo-opa.info/44y3Sxq (Concerns about the situation of 120 migrants and refugees allegedly released by the Libyan Directorate for Combating Illegal Migration (DCIM) from a warehouse in Tazirbu in February 2023)
  • https://apo-opa.info/3O1aIo2 (Independent Fact-Finding Mission on Libya report to the Human Rights Council in March 2023)