Plight of Refugees and Migrants in Libya Should be A Key Issue During Libyan Prime Minister’s Visit to the White House
During the White House meeting tomorrow between President Trump and Libyan Prime Minister al-Sarraj, the leaders should address the ongoing plight that refugees and migrants face in Libya. Prime Minister al-Sarraj and the Libyan government should take urgent steps to end the horrific abuses taking place in government-run detention centers, as documented by Refugees International and other human rights organizations.
“The situation of refugees and migrants in Libya, particularly in facilities under the authority of Prime Minister al-Sarraj’s government, must be part of the discussion during the White House meetings.”
As of early November, almost 20,000 refugees and migrants were reportedly detained in Libyan detention facilities under the authority of the Government of National Accord (GNA), led by Prime Minister al-Sarraj. Reports of malnutrition, beatings, and rape are widespread in these overcrowded, unsanitary centers,.
The situation of refugees and migrants in Libya, particularly in facilities under the authority of Prime Minister al-Sarraj’s government, must be part of the discussion during the White House meetings. President Trump should urge Prime Minister al-Sarraj to end the detention of refugees and migrants and ensure that those responsible for the abuses in government-run detention centers are held accountable.