The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) voiced concerns, on Monday, about the mass arbitrary arrest of migrants and asylum-seekers across Libya.
The mission highlighted on Twitter that the Libyan authorities arrested thousands of men, women, and children from the streets and their homes following raids on alleged traffickers’ camps and warehouses.
“Many of these migrants, including pregnant women and children, are being detained in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions,” it said.
“Thousands of others, including migrants who have entered Libya legally, have been collectively expelled without screening or due process.”
Additionally, the campaign of arbitrary arrests and deportations has been followed by a disturbing rise in hate speech and racist discourse against foreigners online and in the media.
Meanwhile, UNSMIL called on 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 affirmed.
