Libya… Transit point or detention yard?

For many years. Libya has been a major transit point for irregular migrants from sub-Saharan Africa on their way to Europe across the Mediterranean Sea. As violence and conflicts escalate. The country has turned into something of a “booby trap”. Large numbers of migrants are crammed into unsupervised detention centers.

In the absence of clear immigration policies. Adopting the security approach as the only option Thousands of migrants find themselves trapped in inhumane conditions. They are subjected to violations ranging from forced detention, extortion, and and maltreatment. And even human trafficking.

Responsibility for this crisis is shared by local and international actors. Some European policies have contributed to supporting deterrence without accountability.

Reconsidering the handling of migration in Libya requires a comprehensive human rights approach that recognizes the migrant as a human being first and foremost. It promotes documentation, accountability, and safe alternatives to migration.