The UN reported in January that there were more than 12,000 people being detained in 27 prisons and detention facilities across Libya, often in “inhumane conditions in facilities controlled by armed groups or ‘secret facilities.’” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that many of these detainees were being arbitrarily detained after the country undertook security operations […]
Libya
Libya: Covid-19 and Detention
There have been numerous recent reports of mass raids targeting migrants and asylum seekers across Libya, resulting in thousands of people being detained in western Libya during the first week of October. According to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), 5,152 migrants were detained in the raids, which were described by Libyan authorities as part […]
Libya: Covid-19 and Detention
The UN’s Independent Fact-Finding Mission to Libya has found that over the past five years, numerous official agencies and non-state actors have committed such extreme levels of violence and human rights abuses that there are reasonable grounds for concluding that war crimes have been committed as well as crimes against humanity. The mission, which based […]
Libya: Covid-19 and Detention
Thousands of migrants and refugees continue to be detained in Libya’s network of detention centres, despite rising COVID-19 case numbers. As of 14 January, 107,434 cases and 1,645 deaths had been officially recorded in the country, although real figures are expected to be higher given a lack of testing. According to IOM and UNHCR, as […]
Letter from the Permanent UN Mission of Libya in Geneva to the Global Detention Project
The Permanent Mission of the State of Libya to the United Nations Office at Geneva and other International Organizations in Switzerland presents its compliments to Global Detention Project, and has the honour to acknowledge your organization participation and contribution to the review of the State of Libya, which took place during the 36th Session of […]
Libya Immigration Detention Data Profile (2020)
Libya Detention Data (2020) The latest detention-related data from Libya, including immigration and detention-related statistics, domestic laws and policies, international law, and institutional indicators. View the Libya Detention Data Profile Related Reading: Libya: Country Page Special Report: Physical Fences and Digital Divides: Final Report of the Global Detention Project Special Investigation into the Uses of […]
Libya: Covid-19 and Detention
COVID-19 cases are rising in Libya, rising from 200 cases in June to some 28,000 cases by October 2020. Movement restrictions along with curfews, as well as the ongoing conflict and economic crisis, have led to sharp increases in food prices, making it hard for refugees and asylum seekers to support themselves. In response, the […]
Libya: Covid-19 and Detention
Responding to the Global Detention Project’s Covid-19 survey, an official from an international organisation, verified by the GDP, reported that no moratorium had been established in the country and that no immigration detainees had been released as a result of the pandemic (see 15 May Libya update on this platform). According to the official, authorities […]
Libya: Covid-19 and Detention
UNHCR has reported that more than 2,300 remain confined in centres operated by the UN-backed Government of National Accord. Conditions remain a critical concern, with many detainees facing violence and abuse, food shortages, lack of sanitary facilities, and severe overcrowding. Reportedly, the agency has called for an “orderly release” for all those detained and for […]
Libya: Covid-19 and Detention
Reports indicate that while Libya has taken steps to release some prisoners, its detention centres for holding migrants and asylum seekers remain in operation. In Tripoli, 466 prisoners were released in early April. Although many migrant detention centres are still functioning, staff have reportedly been reduced to a minimum. Doctors Without Borders reported that the […]
