UN concerns over arbitrary detention of migrants in Libya

TRIPOLI, Libya – The U.N. mission in Libya expressed concern Monday over reports of arbitrary arrests of migrants and foreigners across the country.

A statement by the U.N. Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) said many migrants, including pregnant women and children, are being held in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions.

Thousands of others, including migrants who entered Libya legally, have been collectively expelled without vetting or due process.

The U.N. mission said the arbitrary arrests were accompanied by “a “disturbing increase in hate speech and racist statements against foreigners.”

“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,” it added. 

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

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

Libya is considered the main transit country for migrants coming to Europe in search of a better life.