Benghazi, June 03 (Darfur24)
Libyan authorities have arrested hundreds of Sudanese refugees in eastern Libya as anti-migrant rhetoric and calls for demonstrations against foreigners intensify across the country.
Sudanese refugees in Libya told Darfur24 that security forces launched a large-scale operation on Monday in Tobruk, Al-Butnan, and other eastern cities, arresting around 1,400 migrants, including hundreds of Sudanese refugees. Those detained were reportedly transferred to facilities run by Libya’s illegal immigration agency.
The arrests come amid growing public campaigns targeting migrants and refugees, as activists prepare demonstrations on Thursday outside the headquarters of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Tripoli and in public squares across several Libyan cities.
According to the latest UNHCR figures, Libya hosts around 500,000 Sudanese refugees. The largest concentration is in Al-Kufra near the Sudanese border, where approximately 193,000 refugees reside. Other major refugee populations are located in Tripoli, Benghazi, Misrata, Zawiya, Jafara, Derna, and Tobruk.
A member of the Sudanese community in Libya, speaking on condition of anonymity, said anti-foreigner campaigns and online hate speech have increased pressure on refugees and migrants, with social media platforms witnessing growing calls for their expulsion.
In one widely circulated video, a Libyan citizen called for the expulsion of foreigners—particularly Sudanese refugees from Darfur—using derogatory language and accusing them of criminal activity. The speaker also called for the closure of UNHCR operations in Libya.
Several grassroots groups, including the “No to Resettlement Movement,” have announced plans to stage protests on Thursday in Tripoli and other cities to oppose the presence of migrants and refugees.
The campaign has gained momentum over the past week, with dozens of social media accounts promoting demonstrations and, in some cases, publishing content that advocates violence against foreigners.
The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has expressed concern over the spread of misinformation and inflammatory rhetoric online, warning that such narratives risk fueling discrimination, social tensions, and violence. The mission urged the public to verify information through reliable sources and stressed the need to combat hate speech in line with Libyan law and international human rights standards.
Meanwhile, Libya’s National Human Rights Institution condemned campaigns inciting hatred and violence against migrants and foreign residents. The body called on authorities to prosecute those responsible for spreading false information and encouraging attacks, while also warning against threats targeting international organizations and diplomatic missions.
The institution further urged stronger border controls in southern Libya and renewed efforts to combat migrant smuggling and human trafficking networks.