NAIROBI – A confidential U.N. human rights report seen by news agency Reuters reveals a disturbing pattern of abuse against migrants expelled from Tunisia to Libya. The report, obtained by Reuters, alleges that Tunisian border guards are transferring migrants to Libyan authorities, where they face forced labor, extortion, torture, and even killings.
This practice, according to the U.N., fuels existing human rights violations in Libya. Hundreds of migrants were reportedly caught in a wave of detentions and expulsions from Tunisia in the latter half of 2023. The report, based on interviews with former detainees and evidence of torture, details migrants being transferred to Libyan detention facilities known for harsh conditions.
Libyan Detention Centers: A Nightmare
The U.N. report paints a grim picture of Libyan detention centers. Migrants interviewed described being crammed into overcrowded and unsanitary facilities. At Bir al-Ghanam, some migrants were allegedly extorted for thousands of dollars in exchange for release. In the al-Assa facility, the report details horrific acts of violence, including the burning and shooting of detainees by Libyan border guards.
Tarek Lamloum, a Libyan human rights expert, claims such transfers have continued into May 2024. He estimates that around 2,000 migrants detained by Tunisia have been transferred to Libya this year alone.
EU Funding Raises Concerns
The report raises concerns about the effectiveness of the European Union’s strategy to curb migration. The EU has invested heavily in stemming the flow of migrants across the Mediterranean, with a focus on partnerships with North African countries. However, rights groups argue that these policies lead to human rights abuses, failing to address the root causes of migration.
The U.N. report calls for a change in approach. It urges Libya to decriminalize illegal entry and for international support to prioritize human rights. The European Commission did not respond to requests for comment on the report.
A Call for Accountability
The findings of the U.N. report demand immediate action. Tunisia and Libya must be held accountable for their treatment of migrants. The international community, particularly the EU, needs to re-evaluate its migration policies to ensure they uphold fundamental human rights.
