The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) has extended its condolences to the families of 65 migrants found in a mass grave in Libya, underscoring its alarm over the discovery in southwest Libya. This region is known for being part of one of Africa’s most perilous migration routes.
The ACHPR condemned violations of migrants’ rights, including their right to life, and reiterated its concern over the continuous disappearances of migrants. These are often attributed to irregular migration flows and perilous paths exploited by smugglers and traffickers.
Committed to enhancing the conditions for migrants and preventing further tragedies, the Commission highlighted the importance of establishing legal migration channels and adopting policies based on human rights.
The Commission called on the Libyan Government to conduct a swift and impartial investigation into the discovery, identify those responsible, and ensure the dignified recovery and identification of the migrants’ remains. It also stressed the necessity of providing timely information to the families affected.
Moreover, the ACHPR reminded States Parties of their duty to protect all migrants, regardless of their origin or status, referencing the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and other pertinent international documents, including the “African Guiding Principles on the Human Rights of All Migrants, Refugees, and Asylum Seekers” (2023).
The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) also reported the discovery of the mass grave in southwestern Libya, with victims believed to have died during smuggling operations across the desert.
The Ministry of Interior’s Criminal Investigation Department released drone footage of the site in Wadi Al-Jahriya, Shuwairif area, marked for investigation. Following DNA sampling, the bodies were buried under the direction of the Chief Prosecutor of Gharyan Primary Court, approximately 421 kilometers south of Tripoli.
