Reports indicate the U.S. may deport migrants to Libya. This raises concerns due to Libya's history of human rights violations against migrants.
Migrants in Libya face arbitrary detention and abuse. They are often held in squalid centers where extortion, rape, and killings occur.
A U.N. mission found evidence of crimes against humanity against migrants. These crimes include enslavement, torture, and murder.
Libya has been in chaos since the 2011 uprising. Rival administrations and militias control different regions.
These groups are involved in smuggling, including people smuggling. Both Libyan administrations deny deportation deals with the U.S.
Approximately 800,000 migrants reside in Libya. They seek work or have fled war in their home countries.
The EU and Italy have funded Libyan groups to stop migrants from reaching Europe. Migrants intercepted face detention and extortion.
Armed groups extort migrants for release. They are often recaptured and tortured again.
Those deported from the U.S. to Libya would face these cycles of crime. Detention centers have horrific conditions and lack legal representation.
Families are blackmailed for their relatives' release. A 2019 investigation found EU funds meant for migrants ended up with militias.
Libya's Internal Security Agency recently suspended aid organizations. They accused them of aiding African migrants and promoting conspiracy theories.
Black migrants face more abuse than others. U.S. authorities informed some migrants of deportation plans to Libya.
This sends the message that Libya is safe, which is not true. Aid workers face hindrances due to the suspension of aid agencies.
Libya is not a safe country for migrants. Libyan authorities have restricted medical care for migrants.
A U.S. judge stated migrants can challenge deportation. Concerns remain about what happens to migrants upon arrival in Libya.
Libya has a restrictive asylum procedure. Deportations may aim to deter migration to the U.S.