CAIRO (AP) — The Libyan government has instructed ten global humanitarian organizations to halt their activities and shut down their offices within the nation. They have been accused of breaching domestic regulations by offering assistance to African migrants.
The Internal Security Agency stated that humanitarian groups are breaking the law by offering different types of aid aimed at helping African migrants integrate into the nation.
"We confirm that the initiative to settle undocumented migrants from African nations inside our borders constitutes an aggressive act aimed at altering Libya’s demographic landscape," stated the ISA on Wednesday.
Libya descended into turmoil following a NATO-supported revolt that ousted and eliminated the long-standing ruler. Moammar Gadhafi In 2011, the nation divided, leading to competing authorities in the eastern and western regions, each supported by renegade factions and outside states.
Libya, bordered by six countries and featuring an extensive Mediterranean coast, serves as a key passage for individuals escaping conflict and hardship in Africa and the Middle East en route to a more prosperous life in Europe. According to the International Organization forMigration, approximately 787,000 migrants and refugees from different backgrounds resided in Libya by 2024.
The roster of support groups unveiled by the agency encompasses Doctors Without Borders, Norwegian Refugee Council, Danish Refugee Council, Terre des Hommes, CARE, ACTED, INTERSOS, and the Italian group CESVI. A number of these entities are included as well. provided crucial immediate relief during the devastating floods In the nation responsible for thousands of deaths in 2023.
The ISA stated that these organizations were under suspicion of engaging in money laundering due to their lack of transparency regarding the procedures for transferring finances for their initiatives and converting foreign currencies into local ones.
Salem Ghaith, a representative for the ISA, stated at a press briefing that stringent legal measures would be implemented against NGOs, along with shutting down their facilities. According to him, these organizations unlawfully distributed various forms of support including cash coupons, garments, sustenance, shelter, and healthcare services, aiding migrants who were originally heading towards Europe to establish themselves temporarily.
"As a consequence, they no longer have to take the dangerous sea crossings and migrate to Europe, transforming Libya from a transit country into a final destination," stated Ghaith.
MSF, which stands for Médecins Sans Frontières in its original French title, is one of the groups singled out. The organization stated this as follows: an update In February, it was reported that migrants in Libya encounter violence and frequently get refused medical care.
"They reside in unstable circumstances and encounter various forms of violence and mistreatment, both within and beyond the nation's detention facilities. These individuals face abduction, extortion, and trafficking, as well as physical attacks or sexual assault; consequently, their ability to obtain medical care is significantly impeded precisely when they urgently require it," stated MSF’s report.
The Libyan governmental body stated that the Norwegian Refugee Council offered unauthorized assistance to irregular immigrants, including monetary support, food rations, cleansing products, apparel, and medical supplies, all without informing or obtaining consent from Libyan officials. This action contravenes national regulations concerning "crimes against state security."
In addition, the agency claims that Relief International broke the law by offering healthcare services to unauthorized immigrants, utilizing public health personnel without obtaining consent from the health ministry, and storing medication in an organizational warehouse that does not comply with the state’s regulatory requirements for proper medical storage.
The Associated Press