UN: CONDITIONS IN REFUGEE CENTERS IN LIBYA ARE UNACCEPTABLE – Calls for release of asylum seekers

UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, described the living conditions in refugee and migrant detention centres in Libya as “terrible” and called for the release of asylum seekers and refugees there.

Grandi said that he understands the security concerns of the Libyan authorities. But he added that “other solutions” should be found for refugees fleeing from warring countries such as Syria or Somalia.

Thousands of refugees who have been rescued or captured in the Mediterranean in their attempt to reach Europe are detained in detention centers in Libya under very difficult circumstances.

Mr. Grandi said that he is “shocked” and described living conditions “disgusting from a health point of view”.

In a Geneva statement, UNHCR said it has so far released more than 800 vulnerable refugees and asylum seekers over the past 18 months.

Since early 2017, more than 46,000 refugees and migrants have arrived in Italy via the Mediterranean, an increase of more than 30% compared to last year. At the same time, at least 1,244 people have been drowned off Libya in their quest to reach Europe, according to the International Organization for Migration.