Refugees In Libya condemns Eastern Libya decision to ban entry of nationals from Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia

A refugee rights organisation, Refugees In Libya, has condemned the decision by authorities in eastern Libya to ban the entry of nationals from Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia, while ordering the deportation of those considered to be in an “irregular situation.”

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the organisation described the move as part of a wider campaign targeting migrants, refugees and asylum seekers across Libya.

The group alleged that, in recent months, thousands of Black Africans have been arbitrarily detained, subjected to forced labour, abandoned in the desert, forcibly deported or returned to detention camps because of their nationality, race or migration status.

According to the organisation, the policy promotes racism, encourages collective punishment and denies people fleeing conflict and persecution their right to seek safety.

Refugees in Libya also accused the European Union of contributing to the worsening situation through its continued engagement with authorities in eastern Libya.

The statement claimed that the EU provides funding, political recognition, equipment and legitimacy to forces linked to eastern Libyan commander Khalifa Haftar despite allegations of serious human rights violations and crimes against humanity.

The group further criticised the proposed Rescue Coordination Centre in eastern Libya, describing it as an “Abduction Coordination Centre.” It alleged that security forces involved in migration control have repeatedly intercepted migrants at sea and subjected them to arbitrary detention, torture, rape, forced labour, extortion, enforced disappearances and racial violence.

The organisation argued that responsibility for abuses against migrants should not rest solely with Libyan authorities, insisting that the European Union and its member states share accountability because of their long-standing financial, political and operational support for migration policies in Libya.

It called on eastern Libyan authorities to immediately reverse the entry ban, end what it described as campaigns targeting Black migrants and refugees, and guarantee the rights and dignity of all people regardless of nationality or migration status.

The group also urged the European Union to halt all political, financial and operational support for policies and actors it said were responsible for ongoing human rights abuses against migrants and refugees in Libya.