Hundreds of protesters in Libya’s capital, Tripoli, forced the closure of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) office on Thursday, June 4, amid growing opposition to the presence of irregular migrants in the country.
The demonstrators gathered outside the UNHCR headquarters, demanding the deportation of irregular migrants and rejecting any measures they believe could lead to their permanent settlement in Libya. Protesters blocked access to the compound, while security personnel were deployed to the area. No injuries or clashes were reported.
The protest comes amid increasing public debate and official concern over irregular migration in Libya. Demonstrators also called for sustained protests and sit-ins until all irregular migrants leave the country. As of Thursday evening, the UNHCR had not issued a statement on the incident.
Libya remains a major transit point for migrants attempting to reach Europe across the Mediterranean due to its strategic location and extensive borders.
