Concerns are escalating in Libya over the increasing number of irregular migrants, particularly as the European Union pushes policies to keep them in transit countries. Experts and citizens fear that Libya, with its vast territory and ongoing political divisions, could become a safe haven for those fleeing wars or criminal sentences in their home countries. Many of these migrants lack identification, complicating the situation further.
Reports indicate that migrants are being expelled from neighboring countries into Libya, exacerbating the issue. The rise of far-right factions in Libya, which advocate for strict anti-migrant policies, adds to the complexity of the situation.
A recent secret report by the United Nations on human rights revealed that Tunisian border forces have detained migrants and handed them over to Libyan border guards. These migrants reportedly face extortion, torture, and even death, along with forced labor, according to multiple reports.
Libyan authorities did not respond to Sputnik’s inquiries regarding these violations and the mass transport of migrants.
Fatima Hassouni, director of the Legal Office at the Center for Freedom and Human Rights in Libya, criticized the EU’s policy of outsourcing migration control to other countries in exchange for aid. She argued that this policy leads to human rights abuses and fails to address the underlying issues. Hassouni highlighted that this approach opens the door to large-scale migration, which in turn fuels human trafficking.
Hassouni pointed out that the increase in irregular migration leads to more human rights violations and risks turning Libya into a transit hub or safe haven for migrants, including those fleeing criminal sentences. She noted that mid-last year, hundreds of migrants were arrested and deported to Libya.
In interviews with Sputnik, Hassouni mentioned evidence from interviews with 18 individuals and photos and videos showing some migrants being tortured in certain facilities. Reports indicate that about 2,000 migrants were transferred in May.
Libyan strategic expert Ezzedine Ageel warned of the rising number of migrants in many Libyan cities, highlighting the potential dangers. Aqeel stated in an earlier interview with Sputnik that restoring Libya’s sovereignty and dignity by uniting the military under a single command is the first step to combating many of the crimes and dubious projects planned by the EU and Washington in Libya.
Ageel lamented that all necessary steps regarding Libya are decided by foreign powers, leading the country further into a dark tunnel. He also criticized the United Nations mission, which he claims is fully controlled by the United States.
He pointed out that Libya faces significant risks due to international division over its situation. He noted that resettlement operations continue in the Libyan capital, with the number of migrants reaching about 3 million, which could cause a major crisis in the future, especially with many newborns lacking documentation.
Regarding public opposition to foreign resettlement, The Libyan expert believes that the general populace is unaware of the current danger, as they have become accustomed to the presence of foreigners since the era of former President Muammar Gaddafi, making them oblivious to the issues that arise from it.
Previously, Sputnik documented the sale of migrants within Libyan territories and the involvement of some officials in the agencies meant to protect migrants. These migrants included Egyptians, Moroccans, and Algerians.
Libya has suffered from division for many years, preventing the establishment of a unified authority or the election of a president in a country mired in crises since 2011.
