United Nations experts have expressed serious concern over reports of systematic arbitrary detention, collective expulsions, abuse and human trafficking involving migrants, refugees and asylum seekers along the Libya-Tunisia border.
The experts said more than 7,400 people, most of them from sub-Saharan Africa, had reportedly been subjected to such practices since at least June 2023. The allegations involve Tunisian security forces as well as Libyan state and non-state actors.
According to testimonies received by the experts, detainees were beaten and abused by uniformed personnel using electric stun devices, iron bars, dogs and threats of gunfire.
Migrants, refugees and asylum seekers were also reportedly subjected to repeated searches, humiliation and the confiscation of mobile phones, identity documents and other personal belongings. Many were denied adequate food and medical treatment, while women were reportedly subjected to rape and men to severe physical violence.
The experts voiced alarm over allegations of torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment in detention facilities in both Tunisia and Libya. They said the reported violence and neglect had led to deaths and enforced disappearances, adding that possible mass graves may exist near military facilities in Libya.
Men, women, pregnant women, couples and children, including unaccompanied minors, were reportedly treated as commodities and transferred across the border in exchange for cash, fuel, hashish or other forms of payment.
The victims were allegedly trafficked for forced labour, sexual exploitation, sexual slavery and abduction for ransom. Those unable to pay money demanded from them reportedly faced continued detention and exploitation.
In Libya, women and girls were reportedly sold or transferred for sexual exploitation and slavery, while men were forced to work. Victims were moved from detention centres to private locations and sometimes sold repeatedly to different groups.
The experts said the allegations could constitute serious violations of international human rights, refugee, humanitarian and criminal law.
They called on Libya and Tunisia to conduct immediate, independent and impartial investigations, hold all responsible parties accountable and provide victims with access to justice and effective remedies.
The independent experts, who work under mandates established by the UN Human Rights Council, said they were in contact with the Libyan and Tunisian governments over the allegations.
