Libya: UN calls for respect of human rights of migrants & asylum-seekers

The United Nations has called on Libyan authorities to respect the human rights and dignity of all people, including migrants and asylum-seekers, voicing serious concern over the use of excessive force against migrants and asylum seekers in Tripoli.

According to press reports, one migrant was killed and at least 15 others injured, six seriously, when Libyan security authorities, carried out raids on houses and temporary makeshift shelters over the weekend in Gargaresh, an area heavily populated by migrants and asylum-seekers.

At least 4,000 people, including women and children, were arrested during the security operation. Unarmed migrants were harassed in their homes, beaten and shot.

Most of those persons arrested are now being arbitrarily held in Libyan detention facilities, said the UN Support Mission in Libya, affirming that the use of excessive and unwarranted lethal force by security and police forces during law enforcement operations is “a violation of national and international law”.

The UN urged the Libyan authorities to end and prevent arbitrary arrest and detention, and immediately release those most vulnerable, particularly women and children.

It also called for the resumption of IOM and UNHCR operated voluntary humanitarian evacuation and return flights and departures of thousands of migrants and asylum seekers held in Libya to destinations outside the country.