A statement released on February 3, 2025, by Commissioner Selma Sassi-Safer, the African Union’s (AU) Special Rapporteur on Migrants in Africa, has exposed the “horrific” human rights violations endured by Sub-Saharan migrants in Libya, particularly in the southeastern region of Adjkhara.
The report details a litany of alleged abuses, including kidnapping, torture, ill-treatment, and extortion through ransom demands, perpetrated by criminal groups and human traffickers. Over 250 migrants were reportedly detained in deplorable conditions, with deeply concerning allegations of sexual violence against women during their confinement.
The report specifically highlights the legal obligations of Libya under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, particularly Articles 1 and 5, which mandate the protection of rights and prohibit torture and inhuman treatment. Furthermore, it cites Article 4 of the Maputo Protocol, emphasizing the prohibition of violence against women. The 2023 African Guiding Principles on Migrants’ Rights, the AU Policy on Migrant Smuggling, and Objective 9 of the Global Compact for Migration are also referenced, underscoring the comprehensive legal framework designed to protect migrant rights.
Adjkhara, located in southeast Libya, has become a hotspot for trafficking due to the country’s ongoing instability. The region’s porous borders and the presence of armed groups have created a fertile ground for criminal networks exploiting vulnerable migrants. The situation is further exacerbated by regional conflicts, such as the crisis in Sudan, and the broader instability in the Sahel, which have fueled irregular migration through Libya, a key transit hub.
Commissioner Sassi-Safer called for immediate action, urging Libyan authorities to conduct independent and thorough investigations into the reported violations and ensure accountability for the perpetrators. She also emphasized the urgent need to establish safe migration corridors, as outlined in Principle 37 of the African Guiding Principles on the Human Rights of All Migrants, refugees and asylum seekers’ (2023).
