The Libyan government, citing unfounded fears over demographic changes, has expelled key humanitarian organizations, raising alarm over the humanitarian crisis faced by African migrants in the country.
Libya's Controversial Expulsion of Aid Organizations Amid Ethnic Claims
Libya's Controversial Expulsion of Aid Organizations Amid Ethnic Claims
Libya's government has ordered the closure of ten aid groups, accusing them of promoting settlement of African migrants in a bid to alter the nation's demographic structure.
Libya's Internal Security Authority has escalated tensions by expelling several prominent aid organizations, including Doctors Without Borders, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), and the Norwegian Refugee Council. The authorities claim these groups are implementing a "hostile act" to alter the country's demographics by encouraging African migrants to remain in Libya. The accusations echo those made by Tunisia two years ago, which sparked international condemnation as an instance of anti-black racism.
These nations serve as significant transit points for numerous African migrants attempting to reach Europe through dangerous Mediterranean routes. Since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, Libya has plunged into chaos, becoming a haven for armed militias and traffickers. This unrest has resulted in rampant human rights abuses, including horrific conditions in detention centers where migrants frequently face violence and neglect.
Doctors Without Borders suspended its operations in Libya earlier this month, citing a pattern of harassment from Libyan authorities. The organization expressed deep concern for the health of patients and the safety of humanitarian workers following government threats. In response, the UNHCR defended their essential work by clarifying that they cater to refugees and vulnerable communities, operating with the Tripoli government’s consent for over 30 years.
Libyan authorities have accused the ten aid organizations of enabling “illegal migrants” to see Libya not as a transit nation but as a final destination by providing provisions such as food and medical aid—though many migrants maintain their desire to move onward. Aid organizations have documented extreme human rights violations against sub-Saharan African migrants in Libya, highlighting systemic abuse including violence and exploitation.
Amidst these developments, questions arise regarding the treatment of African migrants in Libya, revealing an unsettling trend of discrimination and violence that permeates society. Victims of such abuses, including children, face relentless stigmatization based on race, raising deeper concerns about the societal impact of the government's recent actions.
