Geneva- The International Organization for Migration (IOM) deplores the killing of 30 migrants in a shooting yesterday (27/05) involving a trafficker in Libya.  

The tragedy occurred is a smuggling warehouse in Mezda, near the city of Gharyan, southwest of Tripoli where a group of migrants were being held. Eleven migrants who sustained severe injuries have been rushed to the hospital.  

“This senseless crime is a bleak reminder of the horrors migrants have to endure at the hands of smugglers and traffickers in Libya,” said IOM Libya Chief of Mission Federico Soda.  

“These criminal groups are taking advantage of the instability and security situation to prey on desperate people and exploit their vulnerabilities.”  

IOM is calling on Libyan authorities to immediately launch an investigation to bring those responsible to justice.   

IOM medical staff who referred some of those in critical condition to clinics in the capital and are providing assistance, report that some of the migrants bear old marks of beatings and physical abuse.  

As conflict continues unabated in the capital and surrounding areas, conditions for civilians, especially migrants and displaced persons are quickly deteriorating. Many of those intercepted or rescued and returned to Libya this year have been taken to unofficial detention centres where they can easily fall into the hands of smugglers and traffickers. IOM has previously reported disappearances from these facilities and an inability to account for hundreds if not thousands of those returned by the coast guard.  

So far in 2020, nearly 4,000 people have been intercepted or rescued at sea and returned to Libya. The recent and numerous incidents involving boats in distress in the Mediterranean Sea and the reluctance of countries to provide save harbour  from the war-torn north African country signals yet again, a need for a change in approach to the situation in Libya.  

While prosecuting smugglers and traffickers should remain a priority, it is equally urgent to establish an alternative safe disembarkation scheme whereby those fleeing conflict and violence are provided with a port of safety, and their needs and protection guaranteed.  

For more information, please contact Safa Msehli at IOM Geneva: Tel: +41794035526, Email: smsehli@iom.int