The UN highlights the plight of over 200,000 Sudanese refugees in Libya fleeing conflict, facing severe human rights abuses. The lack of legal protection leads to arbitrary detentions and exploitation. While northern Libya offers some support, many refugees attempt to migrate to Europe, facing interception and return by coast guards. Mass graves discovered reveal the tragic outcomes of this crisis, emphasizing the need for urgent international intervention.
The United Nations has raised alarm regarding the humanitarian crisis faced by over 200,000 Sudanese refugees in Libya. These individuals are fleeing the ongoing conflict in Sudan, where the war between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has resulted in the displacement of approximately ten million people since April 2023. Libya, a dangerous transit hub, poses significant risks to these refugees, many of whom lack identity documents.
The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) reported an increase in refugees entering Libya, particularly in the district of Alkufra, where lawyers are compelled to intervene in cases of detention. In January 2025, 210,000 Sudanese refugees were estimated to be in Libya. According to Omar, a lawyer associated with the Libyan Anti-torture Network, these refugees often face arbitrary arrests and detention upon arrival due to limited legal protections.
An investigation released by Omar’s organization detailed horrendous human rights abuses against Sudanese refugees, including extortion, human trafficking, and torture. Libya, which is engaged in its own internal turmoil and has not ratified the 1951 UN Refugee Convention, presents a hostile environment for those seeking safety. Detention conditions are precarious, with many refugees held for extended periods without trial, exacerbating their vulnerable status.
Refugees in southern Libya confront additional challenges such as homelessness and exploitation. Omar emphasizes the insufficient presence of UN agencies, leading to dire consequences for vulnerable populations, including deaths due to starvation. Furthermore, there are allegations of refugees being handed over to RSF militias, intensifying their risk of persecution.
In northern Libya, notably in Tripoli, support is somewhat better, allowing some refugees to register with UNHCR for potential resettlement, although outcomes remain limited. Since early 2023, thousands have attempted to reach Italy, significantly increasing in numbers from previous years. However, many are intercepted by the Libyan Coast Guard and forcibly returned, facing a cycle of mistreatment.
UN officials have called for richer countries to provide aid to prevent further migration and assist within Libya, as many refugees express a desire to settle in safer nations. Despite financial support for the Libyan coast guard from the European Union, harsh treatment and lack of accountability persist in detention centers, as evidenced by testimonies from humanitarian workers.
The situation worsens with reports of mass graves being discovered across Libya, further embedding the tragedy of unresolved fates. Human rights organizations are under pressure to document these violations and advocate for policy changes within the Libyan government. The UNHCR continues its efforts to find new pathways for refugees to reassess their circumstances and gain access to essential services amid escalating risks of abuse and neglect on their migratory paths.
The plight of Sudanese refugees in Libya underscores a pressing humanitarian crisis, where significant numbers face dire human rights violations under a lawless environment. The UN and various organizations advocate for intervention and support from wealthier nations to address this escalating issue. With systemic legal and humanitarian challenges, a pathway for safety and dignity for these individuals remains obstructed, calling for urgent global attention and action.
Original Source: www.swissinfo.ch
