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Libya detains over 800 migrants amid controversy over UN asylum cards
🇵🇾 Paraguay /Culture & Society

Libya detains over 800 migrants amid controversy over UN asylum cards

From ABC Color · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Libyan authorities in the eastern region, led by Khalifa Haftar's LNA, detained over 800 irregular migrants in a security campaign based in Benghazi.
  • The detained migrants are being processed for deportation at a center in Tobruk, according to local officials.
  • The detentions coincide with unconfirmed reports on social media about the UN Refugee Agency issuing asylum cards, sparking rejection from the Libyan parliament and concern from the UN delegation about misinformation.

Authorities in eastern Libya have detained 811 migrants described as being in "irregular situations" following an intensive security operation ordered by the Libyan National Army (LNA), led by Marshal Khalifa Haftar. The detentions occurred in the region controlled by the LNA, with Benghazi serving as a base for the operation.

are completing the necessary legal procedures for their repatriation to their countries of origin.

— Ibrahim LarbedThe head of the anti-migration department in Tobruk details the process for the detained migrants.

Ibrahim Larbed, head of the anti-migration department in Tobruk, stated that the migrants, who hail from various nationalities, have been transferred to a deportation center. He confirmed that the necessary legal procedures are being completed to repatriate them to their home countries. This crackdown highlights the ongoing challenges Libya faces in managing migration flows through its territory.

The security campaign coincides with the circulation of alleged documents on Libyan social media suggesting that the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has issued asylum cards to migrants within Libya. These unverified claims have prompted a strong reaction from the Libyan parliament, based in the east, which expressed its rejection of any "project, policy, agreement or understanding" that could lead to the settlement of foreigners in the country.

expressed its rejection of any 'project, policy, agreement or understanding' that could lead to the settlement of foreigners in the North African country.

— Libyan ParliamentThe parliament's stance against permanent settlement of migrants in Libya.

The UN delegation in Libya responded to these accusations by expressing concern over what it termed "disinformation" spreading on social media. The delegation warned that such narratives could "fuel tension" across the divided nation. Meanwhile, the internationally recognized Government of National Accord (GNA), based in Tripoli, emphasized the importance of respecting diplomatic missions and avoiding actions that could damage Libya's reputation.

expressed 'concern' about what it considered 'disinformation' spread on Libyan social media, and stated that this narrative could 'fuel tension' throughout the country.

— UN Delegation in LibyaThe UN expresses worry over the potential impact of misinformation regarding migrant policies.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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