The National Commission for Human Rights in Libya (NCHRL), called on the government to resume the voluntary return flights and humanitarian evacuation of migrants, as the detention centers are severely overcrowded.
In a letter to Prime Minister, Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba the NCHRL urged the Libyan government to respect the law, and protect the human rights of migrants.
They also asked the PM to intervene urgently and demand the Ministry of Interior end its use of excessive force, which is a violation of national and international human rights laws.
Last week, the NCHRL denounced reports of killing and excessive use of force against migrants and asylum seekers in Gargaresh, Tripoli.
It affirmed the right of the Libyan state to “regulate and control the entry and stay of immigrants and foreigners present on its territory to maintain order and achieve security and stability and eliminate crime.”
On 6 October, 500 migrants managed to escape from the Gheyran center and were chased by guards who opened fire using live ammunition. According to preliminary information, at least four individuals were shot dead, and many others injured.
Two days later, on 8 October, another mass escape took place from the Al-Mabani center, with migrants being chased by security officers who shot at them, further injuring and killing an unknown number.
The United Nations has repeatedly condemned the inhuman conditions in Libya’s detention centers. Migrants and refugees are held in severely overcrowded facilities with limitations on access to life-saving humanitarian assistance.
For his part, Libyan Interior Minister, Khaled Mazen affirmed his keenness to resume voluntary repatriation flights for migrants, resolve issues surrounding their abuse, and hold those responsible to account.
During a meeting with the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Libyan Parliament, Youssef Al-Agouri, Mazen stressed the ministry’s respect for the rights of migrants.
Al-Agouri emphasised the importance of resuming these flights, “to alleviate human suffering as a result of overcrowding in shelter centers, and to follow up on local and international reports of violations against migrants, especially in shelters.”