After anti-trafficking campaign, UN “concerned” over expelling migrants from Libya

The U.N. Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) is “concerned about the mass arbitrary arrest of migrants and asylum-seekers across the country”.

In a statement released today via Twitter, the U.N. said “many of these migrants, including pregnant women and children, are being detained in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions.”

“Thousands of others, including migrants who have entered Libya legally, have been collectively expelled without screening or due process,” it said.

“The campaign of arbitrary arrests and deportations has been accompanied by a disturbing rise in hate speech and racist discourse against foreigners online and in the media,” added the U.N. mission.

The mission called Libyan authorities to “halt these actions and treat migrants with dignity and humanity in line with their international obligations.”

“Libyan authorities must grant UN agencies and INGOs unimpeded access to detainees in need of urgent protection,” it concluded.