Tripoli, October 7 (Darfur24)
The Sudanese Observatory for Human Rights warned on Tuesday that the situation of Sudanese refugees in western Libya, particularly in Tripoli, Misrata, Zawiya, and Sorman, has deteriorated to a catastrophic level, threatening the lives of hundreds of people.
In a statement obtained by Darfur24, the Observatory expressed deep concern over the rise in xenophobic rhetoric, violence, and arbitrary arrests targeting Sudanese refugees who fled the war, as part of a broader campaign against African migrants in Libya.
The organization said it had documented serious violations taking place simultaneously at both official and societal levels. It noted that security agencies, including the Anti-Illegal Immigration Agency, have been carrying out nighttime raids on refugee homes, arbitrarily arresting hundreds and transferring them to overcrowded shelters that lack basic humanitarian standards. Dozens of refugees, including women and children, were reportedly crammed into trucks and open detention areas and subjected to degrading and inhumane treatment.
At the societal level, the Observatory said civil violence is escalating, fueled by organized incitement campaigns on social media. “The campaign appears to be effectively coordinated,” it added, noting that groups of citizens have attacked foreigners in the streets, vandalized property, stormed homes, and threatened families with knives, forcing many to flee. One such attack targeted Sudanese journalist Musab Mohammed Ali and his family in Sorman.
The Observatory stressed that these incidents are not isolated, but are the direct result of racist rhetoric portraying Sudanese refugees as “illegal immigrants” and a “demographic threat,” while ignoring the fact that they are fleeing a devastating war.
Particular concern was expressed for the safety of at least 45 Sudanese journalists currently seeking refuge in Libya. The Observatory said they have become easy targets due to their past work and vulnerable situation. It received an urgent appeal to evacuate 19 journalists who are in high-risk areas and face immediate threats.
The organization called on Libyan authorities to immediately end arbitrary arrests and raids targeting refugees and migrants and to provide full protection to them. It also urged the UNHCR to activate its protection mandate and facilitate humanitarian evacuations for the most critical cases. Additionally, it appealed to UNESCO to intervene urgently and activate the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists to protect Sudanese media workers at risk.