UN condemns attack on humanitarian facility in Libya

The United Nations has strongly condemned the violent storming of one of its facilities in Tripoli, Libya, where migrants were present. The act was described as deeply aggressive by the UN in a statement on Monday. Despite not specifying the exact agency, circulating videos revealed people forcibly entering the premises of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Tripoli, causing damage and evicting the occupants.

The UN's Libya office expressed strong condemnation of the repeated incidents that took place this morning at the service center run by a UN agency in the capital. They acknowledged authorities' response to the incident and investigations into the deeply aggressive acts against staff and people accessing humanitarian services.

The Libyan foreign ministry urged citizens to refrain from targeting the premises, property, vehicles, or personnel of international organizations. They emphasized that freedom of expression and peaceful protest do not justify intrusion, vandalism, threats, or endangering safety. The ministry referred reports and complaints to the public prosecutor's office to hold accountable those responsible.

The conflict over migrants and allegations of plans to settle them permanently in Libya has sparked heated debate in recent months. Protesters have frequently gathered outside UN agency headquarters, including the IOM and UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), blocking entrances and demanding closures and staff expulsions. The UN has emphasized the need for relying on verified information and reaffirmed its commitment to constructive cooperation with Libyan authorities and local communities.

Since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, Libya has experienced instability, with two rival governments and smugglers exploiting the volatility to establish networks for migrants attempting to reach Europe by sea.