The UN warns that over 200,000 Sudanese refugees face severe human rights violations in Libya amid ongoing conflict, with many hoping to travel to Europe. They often lack identity documents leading to arrests and dire living conditions. Efforts for support and legal representation are limited, while international aid remains crucial for their safety and basic needs.
The United Nations warns that over 200,000 Sudanese refugees have fled to Libya amidst the ongoing conflict in Sudan, where they face significant human rights violations. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has reported that the war, which began in April 2023, has displaced ten million people, with around two million seeking refuge in neighboring countries, chiefly Libya. Many refugees aim to move onward to Europe or Tunisia amidst dire conditions.
As of January 2025, approximately 210,000 Sudanese refugees reside in Libya, often lacking identity documents, which is a violation of local laws. This lack of documentation leads to immediate arrests and detentions within police stations, as explained by Omar, a lawyer from southern Libya who assists many of these individuals. He observes that daily, between 400 to 500 Sudanese people seek refuge in the Alkufra district alone.
Omar, affiliated with the Libyan Anti-torture Network (LAN), described the alarming situation faced by Sudanese refugees in Libya. Despite international protections afforded to refugees, they endure severe human rights violations, including arbitrary arrests, extortion, and torture. Libya’s enduring internal conflict, stemming from a 2011 uprising, hampers the safety of refugees as various armed factions exert control over different regions.
Libya has not ratified the 1951 UN Refugee Convention, complicating the legal protections for refugees trapped in this volatile environment. Each year, many Sudanese refugees are detained at police stations, and legal representatives like Omar work diligently to assist them. However, those remaining arbitrarily detained can face years without trial, making it exceedingly difficult for lawyers to provide necessary support and representation.
The refugees also confront issues such as homelessness and exploitation, with children particularly vulnerable to forced labor. NGOs such as the UNHCR and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have limited presence in the region to assist these individuals. Tragically, several children have succumbed to starvation in the past year, underscoring the critical need for humanitarian aid.
In the northern parts of Libya, conditions are relatively better. Here, refugees can register with the UNHCR, which provides a hopeful pathway for some towards resettlement in third countries. However, it remains an arduous journey, with data illustrating that upwards of 6,000 Sudanese entered Italy via Libya and Tunisia between early 2023 and April 2024. Unfortunately, many are intercepted by the Libyan Coast Guard while attempting to cross the Mediterranean, leading to forced returns and potential mistreatment.
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, has implored wealthier nations to provide more support to prevent refugees from resorting to human traffickers. Despite the European Union’s financial aid to the Libyan coastguard aimed at reducing irregular migration, many refugees continue to suffer violence and deprivation within detention centers. The UNHCR and IOM have continually condemned the practice of forcibly returning refugees, warning of the imminent risks they face.
LAN actively documents human rights abuses and seeks to initiate government accountability by communicating this information to international organizations. In light of these violations, the organization has managed to achieve the closure of several detention centers, although significant challenges remain in ensuring dignity and safety for detainees.
Recent findings regarding mass graves in eastern Libya highlight the grave humanitarian crisis that persists. Arrests of individuals attempting to escape are common, with many ending up in overcrowded and underreported detention facilities. The UNHCR advocates for solutions to enable refugees and migrants to rebuild their lives while addressing abuses perpetrated by criminal networks. The situation in Libya remains dire, necessitating a multifaceted and urgent response from the international community.
In conclusion, the plight of Sudanese refugees in Libya is increasingly grave, with over 200,000 individuals escaping violence yet enduring severe human rights violations. Arrests, detainment, and exploitation occur without legal protections. The situation necessitates urgent international support to address their humanitarian needs and facilitate safe passage to secure locations. Additionally, reporting on abuses is crucial for fostering accountability and addressing the systemic issues within Libya’s handling of refugees.
Original Source: www.swissinfo.ch
