UN condemns storming of Libya’s migrant aid centre

The United Nations has strongly condemned the violent storming of a migrant aid centre in Libya's capital Tripoli, denouncing the "deeply aggressive acts" carried out by protesters. The UN did not identify the specific agency responsible, but circulating videos showed individuals forcibly entering the International Organization for Migration (IOM) premises, causing damage and expelling staff.

The UN in Libya expressed deep concern over the repeated incidents at the IOM service centre, stating that authorities are investigating the circumstances and emphasizing that such aggressive behavior must not be repeated. The Tripoli-based Libyan foreign ministry urged citizens to refrain from targeting international organizations, stating that freedom of expression and peaceful protest do not justify vandalism or endangering safety.

The UN called for reliance 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 smugglers and traffickers exploiting the chaos to establish networks aiding migrants seeking to reach Europe via sea.