The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights has expressed deep concern over the worsening conditions of sub-Saharan migrants in Libya, particularly in light of credible reports of their abduction, torture, and mistreatment by criminal gangs and human traffickers in the town of Ajkharrah in the southeast of the country.
According to a statement from the Commission, it has received information that more than 250 irregular migrants of various nationalities were detained in inhumane conditions and poor sanitary conditions before being released by Libyan security forces. Some of them were subjected to torture and multiple forms of cruel and degrading treatment during their detention to force their families to pay ransoms. Reports also indicate that many migrant women suffered continuous sexual violence while in detention.
In its statement, the Commission highlighted Libya’s obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, particularly Article 1, which requires state parties to ensure the rights and freedoms set forth in the Charter, and Article 5, which prohibits torture, human trafficking, and inhumane treatment. The Commission also referenced the Maputo Protocol on women’s rights, specifically Article 4, which prohibits all forms of violence against women.
The statement called on Libyan authorities to conduct an independent, prompt, and impartial investigation into the violations committed against migrants and to ensure accountability for those responsible. It also stressed the need to take measures to protect migrants and prevent the recurrence of such crimes.
The Commission emphasized that, as Libya serves as both a transit and destination country for many migrants—particularly amid the conflict in Sudan and worsening crises in the Sahel region—it is crucial to adhere to the African Guiding Principles on Human Rights for All Migrants, Refugees, and Asylum Seekers (2023). These principles call for cooperation among African nations to establish safe migration corridors and prevent the smuggling of migrants by land, sea, and air.
In conclusion, the Commission underscored the urgent need to protect all migrants, regardless of their legal status, and to address the root causes of irregular migration, including economic hardship, weak governance, and insecurity in many African countries. It also urged the African Union to provide support and assistance to Libya to strengthen national reconciliation efforts and improve the conditions of migrants.
