UN voices concern over arbitrary arrest of migrants in Libya

By Walid Abdullah

TRIPOLI, Libya (AA) – The UN mission in Libya on Monday voiced concern over reports about arbitrary arrest of migrants and foreigners across the country.

"We are concerned about the mass arbitrary arrest of migrants and asylum-seekers across the country," the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) said in a statement.

The mission accused Libyan authorities of arresting thousands of men, women, and children "from the streets and their homes or following raids on alleged traffickers' camps and warehouses."

“Many of these migrants, including pregnant women and children, are being detained in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions,” the statement said. “Thousands of others, including migrants who have entered Libya legally, have been collectively expelled without screening or due process.”

The UN mission said the arbitrary arrests were accompanied by “a disturbing rise in hate speech and racist discourse against foreigners online and in the media."

It called on Libyan authorities “to halt these actions and treat migrants with dignity and humanity in line with their international obligations.”

“Libyan authorities must grant UN agencies and INGOs unimpeded access to detainees in need of urgent protection,” it added.

In April, a group of investigators commissioned by the UN Council of Human Rights said there is evidence on crimes against humanity being committed against Libyans and migrants stuck in the country, including women being forced into sex slavery.

Libya is considered a main transit point for migrants on their way to Europe seeking a better life.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar