NGO Concerned Over Misleading Information on Refugee Resettlement in Libya

The Italy-based NGO, Refugees in Libya, has voiced alarm regarding the dissemination of misleading information suggesting that African refugees are being resettled within Libya. This concern arises amid a palpable rise in anti-migrant sentiment across the country, which recently culminated in a demonstration by approximately 1,500 individuals outside the UNHCR's headquarters in Tripoli.

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No to resettlement. Libya is for Libyans

Protesters chanted slogans such as “No to resettlement. Libya is for Libyans,” and symbolically emptied a truckload of soil in front of the UNHCR gate. Despite consistent assurances from the Tripoli government that it has no intention of allowing the resettlement of illegal migrants or refugees, public trust remains low, with many Libyans skeptical of official pronouncements.

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this resettlement policy claim is incorrect, and there is no international agreement stating that refugees from Africa will be resettled in Libya.

Refugees in Libya has refuted the resettlement claims, stating that no international agreement mandates the resettlement of African refugees in Libya. The NGO finds the closure of UN offices based on such misinformation deeply regrettable, as it complicates an already difficult situation. They advocate for a proper approach where authorities engage with international organizations through official channels, addressing refugee matters grounded in facts, law, and humanitarian principles.

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the closure of UN offices based on misinformation is deeply regrettable and only makes the situation more difficult.