NGO Refugees in Libya addresses misinformation on African refugee resettlement in Libya
via Libya Herald1 min read
The Italy-based NGO, Refugees in Libya, has expressed concern over the dissemination of misleading information suggesting that African refugees are being resettled in Libya. This concern arises amidst growing anti-migrant sentiment in Libya, which recently led to a demonstration by approximately 1,500 individuals in front of the UNHCR's Tripoli headquarters. Demonstrators, chanting "No to resettlement. Libya is for Libyans," deposited soil at the UNHCR's gate. The Tripoli government has consistently stated it has no plans to permit the resettlement of illegal migrants or refugees in Libya, though the Libyan public reportedly distrusts these pronouncements. Refugees in Libya clarified that claims of a resettlement policy are incorrect and that no international agreement exists for the resettlement of African refugees in Libya. The NGO stated that the closure of UN offices due to misinformation is regrettable and complicates the situation. They advocate for authorities to engage with international organizations through official channels to address refugee issues based on facts, law, and humanitarian principles.
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