Amnesty: Migrants in Libya Face Cruelty, Abuse

Local Editor

Migrants in Libya had been exposed to "cruelty" and abuse, forcing many to traverse the perilous Mediterranean crossings in their quest to reach a safe haven in Europe, Amnesty International said.

"The ghastly conditions for migrants, coupled with spiraling lawlessness and armed conflicts raging within the country, make clear just how dangerous life in Libya is today," said Philip Luther, Amnesty director for the Middle East and North Africa.

Libya had long been a stepping stone for Africans seeking a better life in Europe. People fleeing the conflict in Syria have also added to the number of migrants in Libya attempting to reach Europe.

Further, Libya plunged into chaos following the 2011 uprising that toppled longtime dictator, Muammar Gaddafi. The ouster of Gaddafi gave rise to a patchwork of heavily-armed militias and deep political divisions.

People smugglers and traffickers had sought to take advantage of the chaos in the North African country.

"With no legal avenues to escape and seek safety they are forced to place their lives in the hands of smugglers who callously extort, abuse and attack them," Luther said.

He further called on the European Union [EU] to deploy more rescue vessels in the Mediterranean Sea while tackling smugglers at the same time.

"Introducing measures to tackle smugglers without providing safe alternative routes out for the people desperate to flee conflict in Libya, will not resolve the plight of migrants and refugees," he said.

Moreover, Amnesty further urged Tunisia and Egypt to ease border restrictions with Libya, in order to provide migrants with a haven. The report by the rights group came amid several cases of migrant tragedy in the Mediterranean Sea.

Earlier in April, UN High Commissioner for Refugees [UNHCR] said that at least 700 people were feared dead after a ship smuggling migrants capsized in the Mediterranean Sea.

In addition, the rights group also criticized Libya's policy of locking up illegal migrants in detention centers where conditions were "deplorable."

According to Libyan officials, some 7,000 illegal migrants were being held in 16 detention centers across the country awaiting deportation.

Source: News Agencies, edited by website team