Libyan representatives express concern over alleged attempts by some nations to permanently settle migrants and refugees in some parts of their country, UN Special Representative for Libya Abdoulaye Bathily told Sputnik.
"Many Libyans whom I met in my consultations over the past months, voiced concern about alleged attempts of some countries to 'permanently settle' refugees and migrants in some Libyan regions, especially in the south. We do not have reliable and substantiated reports in this regard, but these allegations are met with categorical Libyan rejection," Bathily said, when asked about the European Union's efforts to prevent migrants and refugees from leaving en masse for the European continent.
The UN special representative emphasized that migration is a multi-layered issue in Libya and the interception of migrants is managed by several state and non-state actors in the east and west, including militias involved in trafficking.
Bathily said that about 8,000 out of more than 15,000 intercepted illegals immigrants in 2023 were deported from the country. He also said the international community should ensure that support provided to actors involved in migration management does not lead to rights violations.
In addition, Bathily expressed hope that regional and international actors will "learn from the lessons of the past and help Libyans restore legitimacy to their institutions through elections."
"Only legitimate and unified institutions extending their authority over the entire country could end the multiplicity of actors in migration management and lawfully deal with migration challenges," Bathily said.