UN refugee agency condemns violence during protests outside office in Libya's Tripoli

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) had condemned on Sunday, violence that erupted outside its head office in Tripoli, Libya, during a protest calling for quick repatriation of refugees. violence became so intensified that at least three people were attacked and one was hospitalised. According to a statement from UNHCR, incident occurred at nearly 9:30 a.m. on Sunday outside UNHCR's Libya office, which also contains its registration center.  

violence broke when a small fraction of aggressive protestors attempted to prevent refugees and asylum seekers which included women, children, as well as families, from accessing services. Citing  statement, ANI reported, “As UNHCR staff tried to negotiate with m to let refugees in, two staff were hit as well as one security guard. guard was taken to hospital with arm injuries.” 

According to UNHCR,  main gate to UNHCR facility has been closed since attack. Over 100 asylum seekers and refugees are presently inside premises, and UNHCR workers are still working re and assisting m. Since vember 3, protesters have attempted to obstruct refugees and asylum seekers from entering UNHCR registration center.

United Nations refugee ncy urged protesters to allow vulnerable immigrants

Furrmore, UNHCR has urged  protesters who have been demanding swift departure from Libya, to allow disadvantd asylum-seekers and immigrants to enter inside premises so that y may get assistance which y require. UN ncy furr clarified that any kind of interruptions to work at registration facility would have a negative impact on ir capacity to process documents for impending humanitarian flights out of Libya, endangering exit of highly vulnerable asylum-seekers.  

Earlier protest outside UN Refugee facility in Tripoli

Meanwhile, previously in month of October, hundreds of illegal migrants demonstrated outside UN facility in Tripoli, asking to be evacuated from rth African country.  protest outside ncy commenced when Libyan government conducted a large crackdown on immigrants in western town of Gargaresh earlier in month, arresting over 5,000 people. 

Torture, sexual abuse, and or types of harassment were commonplace in overcrowded detention facilities where immigrants were kept. According to UN-commissioned experts, torture and inhumane treatment of migrants in Libya constitute crimes against humanity. 

Tripoli administration justified crackdown operations, by claiming that it was combating illegal migration and narcotics smuggling. Since operation began on October 1 in Gargaresh, which is a key migrant hub, hundreds of refugees have congregated outside UN refugee ncy's community centre in Tripoli, fearful of detention in crowded camps. 

(Im: AP)