SITUATION UPDATE

MIGRANTS/REFUGEES/IDPs - LIBYA

12 July – 14 September 2021

Key Migration Developments in Libya 12 July – 14 September 2021

Departures from Libya have continued unabated over the summer – reaching almost twice the number of the entire 2020. About 40.000 departures have taken place from Libya in 2021 compared to 26.844 for the whole of 2020. More than half of them have occurred in the summer months. The trend can be explained paradoxically by the overall improvement of security conditions in Libya, more sophisticated smuggling patterns bringing in new nationalities (see below) and the continued presence of push factors in the countries of origin.

To date in 2021, 24000 people have been rescued at sea and disembarked in Libya. The number of disembarked people is thereby already twice has high as in 2020 (nearly 12000). Approximately 21000 are male, 2000 female and 1000 children. This is due to an increase in departures combined with a more active and better responding LCG and GACS. Since January 2020, the highest number of people disembarked back in Libya in a single month was observed in the month of June 2021 with 4,523.

Departures from Libya came to a sudden halt in September as Zawiya engulfed in militia violence. Militia clashes in the departure hot spot Zawiya have led to fewer departures in the past weeks as the fighting hampers access to the embarkations points. The last departure from the Libyan coast was reported on 31 August. Simultaneously, a campaign by the local militias/law enforcement to crack down on criminal networks through arrests of smugglers and a reported strike against an illicit boat factory in Sabratha has contributed to the halt in departures in the first half of September (see below). It remains to be seen how long this halt will last but it is a remarkable development in what has been otherwise a peak season for departures.

Criminal gangs usurp the security functions for countering irregular migration in Zawiya and simultaneously run secret detention centres. The turf war for control of Zawiya has placed the politico-military network of the Awlad Buhmeira tribe, centered around the Busriba family, against another notorious militia leader Mohammed Bahroun aka “al-Far”. Both sides are involved in smuggling while also positioning themselves as law-enforcement actors. “Al-Far” acts as the head of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in Zawiya while the UN-Sanctioned Abdulrahman Milad, aka al-Bija, is the commander of the Libyan Coast Guard branch of Zawiya and a close affiliate of the Busriba kingpins.

Since the GNU released “al-Bija” in April, the latter has focused on clearing his name while engaging indirectly in migrant detention and extortion activities through intermediaries. Al-Bija has taken control of the Naval Academy in Zawiya and stepped up activity of the Libyan Coast Guard in the area in intercepting migrant vessels; from 4 operations in June to 28 SAR operations in August. All the rescued migrants were disembarked in Zawiya’s Misfat disembarkation point, from where they are transferred to the Stabilization Support Apparatus (SSA), instead of the DCIM. Whilst it is unclear where the disembarked migrants end up when in the hands of the SSA, there are reports of unofficial detention centres run by militias. Al-Bija has reportedly re-established the connections between the Libyan Coast Guard in Zawiya and the al-Nasser DC that is now run by Ramzi “Kafra” Abdo Milad, the second in command to Al-Bija. The al-Nasser DC holds an unknown number of migrants but the facility remains unrecognized by the DCIM and therefore out of the reach of the UN and international humanitarian assistance. A death of a woman in Al-Nasser DC was reported in August. This DC is under the control of two UN sanctioned individuals, Mohamed Kushlav and Al-Bija, while the SSA also controls the Abu Salim DC through its affiliate militia leader al-Kikli, aka al-Gnewa.

The reopening of Al-Nasser DC demonstrates the importance of detention centers as income-generating machines for the militias through a release-for-bribe scheme. Whilst the disembarked people are peaking at about 24.000, the number of people in the official DCIM detention centres does not mirror this increase and is “only” around 4.500. This means in this context that around 20,000 people appear to be unaccounted for. Presumably, the vast majority are released through bribes but also due to overcrowding or they manage to escape. There have not been official releases by the DCIM.

New detention centers to be opened as part of the restructuring of the detention system. DCIM director reportedly aims to re-open the DCIM centres of al-Hamra in Gharyan, Tweisha, Bir al-Ghanem and Wadi al-Hai. These reports have rekindled the international community’s concerns over migrant protection in these large and remote facilities. Due to its huge capacity, humanitarian organizations have labeled the Al-Hamra facility as a “mega-DC”. The DCIM Director justified the opening of new detention centres with promises of improved humanitarian conditions. However, the restructuring of the detention system has not led to any improvements, on the contrary; deadly shootings, systemic exploitation and torture, sustained extreme overcrowding during the pandemic, and worsened humanitarian access characterize all the recently opened detention centres. The architecture of extortion and illicit economy around the centers makes them highly profitable, so the restructuring with the opening of large new facilities may aim to benefit those in control.

UNCHR and IOM flights remain suspended as the standoff with the director of the DCIM continues. On 8 August, DCIM informed of the re-suspension of all UNHCR humanitarian flights for asylum-seekers and refugees as well as IOM voluntary humanitarian flights for irregular migrants. This came three weeks after the (temporary) resumption of IOM and UNHCR such activities on 18 July 2021, following a prior unilateral suspension by DCIM. The official reason for the suspension is coordination challenges and alleged non-compliance with established procedures on the organization of humanitarian flights by IOM and UNHCR. These arguments are strongly contested by the organizations, but a more likely explanation seems to involve a pursuit for personal gain and corruption by the DCIM.

DCIM Director Mabrouk convened IOM and UNHCR on 12/09 to discuss involving local NGOs in the humanitarian evacuation and VHR programmes. He presented the “Libyan Organisation for Migrants and Refugees” that could support the DCIM in organising “overland VHR and Humanitarian Evacuation movements” to neighbouring Niger, Chad, and Sudan. IOM and UNHCR cautioned DCIM against such movements by land, due to security risks especially in Southern Libya. Moreover, the agencies recalled that VHR to Bangladesh and other locations as well as the humanitarian evacuations to ETM Rwanda rely necessarily on flights. It appears highly likely that the Libyan NGO is linked to the DCIM director with the aim of funneling funds. Although there is no evidence, the reports about the DCIM Director blackmailing the UN with the humanitarian flights blockage in exchange for valuable contracts for personal profit appear increasingly credible. This attitude has a considerable human cost for the hundreds of migrants and refugees waiting for departure. The EUDEL has advocated strongly for the resumption in bilateral conversations with the GNU (notably the MoFA and PMs Office) and through the Tripartite AU/EU/UN. SE Kubis has raised the matter with top GNU officials. All with no immediate results. In the absence of progress, UNHCR and IOM consider a joint advocacy letter.

The recent Influx of Bangladeshis signals new degree of sophistication by smugglers. So far in 2021, Bangladeshis are the third largest nationality group departing from Libya and second largest arriving in Italy. Bangladeshi migrants overwhelmingly arrive by air to Benina airport in Benghazi and then travel to western Libya to cross the sea to Europe. The increasing influx of Bangladeshis suggests that sophisticated networks spanning the entire route are responsible for delivering migrants from afar and is an important indicator of the evolution of human-smuggling in Libya. A similar trend can be seen with Syrians who seems to be increasingly choosing Libya over the Eastern Route through Greece/Turkey, as the Libyan option is perceived to be more likely to succeed. Some 1,013 Syrians have disembarked in Libya in 2021 so far, compared to 58 for the whole 2020 according to UNHCR.

1. Migration Trends

Profiles and Key Migration Data in Libya

Persons of Concern to UNHCR: According to the latest count (1/7) the total population of registered asylum-seekers and refugees in Libya is 42,458 (with a decrease in comparison to 1/6 with 42,769) (previously with a decrease in comparison to 1/4l with 43,348): 27,312 men, 15,146 women among them 14,773 children and 1,563 elderly. UNHCR continues to be allowed to register only nine nationalities, with the current following breakdown: Sudanese 37% (15,971) Syrian 34% (14,412); 11,5% Eritrean (4,886); 7% Palestinian (2,951); 4,6,% Somali (1941); 2,3% Ethiopian (973); 2 % Iraqi (814); South Sudanese 0,7% (265) and Yemeni 0,2% (108). 50,8% of the total refugee population is located in Tripoli, (21,581), 14,9% in Aljfara (6351), 10% 4609 In Misrata, 4,5% 1941 in Azzwuaya and 3,7% 1587 in Zwara and 2,4% 1031 in Benghazi. .Unaccompanied or separated children (UASC) are 2164. In 2021, as of 30/6, UNHCR has registered 7,304 new refugees and asylum-seekers in Libya and in parallel 9.204 dossiers have been closed. From January to December 2020, UNHCR registered a total of 8,391 asylum-seekers. Sudanese asylum-seekers, primarily from Darfur, were the largest nationality group seeking international protection in Libya in 2020. On average, new asylum-seekers have spent 4.2 years in Libya prior to approaching UNHCR; 22% approach within 12 months of entry. New asylum-seekers demonstrate far higher incidence of vulnerabilities and specific needs than in the pre-2020 population, with specific needs identified for 79% of newly-registered individuals, indicating increased vulnerability. Six percent of new asylum-seekers are unaccompanied or separated children (UASC) - as compared to 3% UASC for of the overall cumulated registered population. They are primarily Darfuris from Sudan, Eritreans, and Somalis. UASC comprise over 20% of all new Eritrean and Somali asylum-seekers, and over 5% of newly registered Sudanese. IOM Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) Libya’s Round 37 Migrant Information Package, covering the period May and June 2021 has published on the 17 of August. DTM Libya identified a total of 597,611 migrants from over 40 nationalities in the 100 Libyan municipalities in May and June 2021. During the reporting period, the number of migrants in Libya remained relatively stable compared to the previous round of data collection (March and April 2021). In line with prior reports, the number of migrants in Libya currently remains lower than pre-pandemic levels. Regarding gender and age: 90% are adults, of which 80% men and 10 % women, of the 10 % children, 8% are accompanied and 2% unaccompanied. In line with previous reports, migration patterns in Libya remain heavily shaped by geographical proximity and diasporic ties. The majority of migrants in Libya are from Sub-Saharan Africa (56%) or North Africa (35%) while a minority were from the Middle East (5%) or Asia (4%). Countries of Origin: The bulk of migrants remain from neighbouring countries: Niger (21% - 125,660), Egypt (18%- 108,224), Sudan (16%-94,173) and Chad (14% - 84,331). Nigeria is following with 6% - 38 021 after that Ghana and Mali are following. Geographical presence: Despite the pandemic, migrants from North African countries (including Egypt and Sudan) continue to represent the majority of migrants in Eastern Libya (64%) while migrants from Sub-Saharan African countries (such as Niger and Chad) account for the bulk of migrants in Southern and Western Libya (89% and 62% respectively). In line with previous reports, the largest migrant populations identified were in the regions of Tripoli (15%), Ejdabia (11%), Misrata (10%), Azzawya (8%), Benghazi (7%) and Murzuq (6%). The migrant employment rate increased to 80 per cent in May and June, from 78 per cent in April 2021 but it remained lower than in the pre-pandemic levels (83% in February 2020). In line with previous findings, the majority of migrants who were employed reported working in the fields of construction (33%), domestic and care work (8%), agriculture and fisheries (8%), in factories and manufactures (7%) or in retail or sales (5%). Others (39%) worked in various positions, such as tailors, street vendors, kitchen workers and teachers.A greater proportion of unemployed migrants continue to report being unable to meet their needs than those who are employed. Having newly arrived has therefore been identified as a significant risk factor adding to migrants’ vulnerability at the individual level. Remittances: A total of 28 per cent of migrants interviewed reported having sent remittances home while an additional 34 per cent of migrants reported that while they had not yet sent money home they intended to do so in the future. In line with previous 2021 findings, migrants reported having sent a lower monthly average amount than in 2019 or 2020. Respondents had sent a monthly average of 102 US$ home in May and June 2021, which is lower than both the 2019 and 2020 average of 146 US$ and 123 US$, respectively. Libya has been a net source of remittance outflows since at least the beginning of 2000. Rescue at sea, in May and June 2021, a total of 8,514 migrants were rescued at sea and disembarked in Libya compared to 2,272 for the corresponding periods of time in 2020, respectively. In total, during the first six months of 2021, as of 03 July, over 15,700 people had been rescued at sea by the Libyan Coast Guard, nearly three times the number of migrants who were rescued during the same period in 2020 (5,475 migrants), and already surpassing the number of people intercepted or rescued and disembarked in all of 2020. Among those who were taken back to shores by Libyan Coast Guards, there were 13,980 men, 1,001 women and 558 children. There was no sex and age disaggregated data available for 161 individuals. Fatalities at sea: At least 767 deaths off the coast of Libya were recorded in the first half of 2021, among which 325 occurred over the months of May and June. DTM Libya-Chad-Niger borders: Libya shares over 4,300 km of land borders with 6 countries a recent DTM study found that more than half of migrants (58%) during between Sep 2019 – Sep 2020 entered though Niger (48%) and Chad (10%). Among migrants entering Libya through Niger or Chad the majority were from Sub-Saharan Africa and nearly all from West and Central Africa. Looking more closely at movements between the three countries we see that 81% reached Libya via Niger and 19% via Chad. There are two primary migratory routes to Libya from Sub-Saharan Africa through Sebha in the south-west, which is the main entry point for those transiting or coming from Niger (and Algeria) and Alkufra in the south-east, which is the main entry point for those coming or transiting through Chad (and Sudan). Several factors have affected migratory patterns and trends. Insecurity on migratory routes, with the increased threat of banditry and accidents has made the journey riskier and has led to a reduction of migratory flows through the Niger, Libya and Chad triangle. The COVID-19 pandemic has also significantly limited the number of livelihood opportunities to migrants and their ability to travel making it sometimes less appealing and riskier and has led some to attempt returning home and the loss of income is a limiting factor in funding migrants’ journey back home. Although the number of migrants traveling between the three countries decreased at the beginning of the pandemic, the number of migrants has picked up again. In conclusion, despite the COVID-19 pandemic and its socio-economic impact, the study found that migration to Libya had an overall net positive impact on the employment status of both nationals of Niger and Chad in Libya.

Flows and Search and Rescue Events (SAR)

Disembarkations

Month	Total
Jan-21	469
Feb-21	3487
Mar-21	1948
Apr-21	916
May-21	3599
June-21	4915
July-21	4059
Aug-21	4208

Period: 29 Aug to 4 Sep 2021, Total 33.

Total disembarkation in Libya so far in 2021: 23583

Total Deaths reported for 2021: 173

Total Missing reported for 2021: 241

Male: 20960

Female: 1612

Child Male: 582

Child Female: 268

Unknown: 161

Nationality breakdown:

Overview Disembarkations as of 12 July:

Disembarkation Point	Total Rescued	Male	Female	Minor Male (< 18)	Minor Female (< 18)	Dead	Missing	Transferred To	Rescued by/ Retrieved by
4 July 2021	Alzawyia Saberiya	0	0	0	0	0	7	0	Alzawyia Hospital	LRC
4 July 2021	Abussita	186	181	5	0	0	0	0	Mabani DC	LCG Ras ijer boat
5 July 2021	Zuwara	0	0	0	0	0	2	0	Zuwara security directorate	LRC
5 July 2021	Abussita	93	69	19	3	2	0	0	Mabani DC	LCG Fezzan boat
6 July 2021	Abussita	16	16	0	0	0	0	0	Mabani DC	LCG Fezzan boat
6 July 2021	Alzawyia marsa della	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	Alzawyia hospital	LRC
8 July 2021	Abussita	31	31	0	0	0	0	0	Mabani DC	LCG Fezzan boat

2. Humanitarian Situation (related to COVID-19)

According to WHO a total of 899,112 people including 3,311 “foreign nationals” have registered for vaccination out of a total adult population of 4.7 million and 379,404 people at risk received their first dose of vaccine by July 5. However, vaccination for migrants and refugees has not started yet. The pace of vaccination is of 5,000 per day.

Besides implementing partners, UNHCR will also sponsor ICRC staff under the UN System-Wide Vaccination Programme.

The national COVID-19 vaccination start was announced on 10/4 by Prime-Minister Dbeiba, the first vaccinations have been delivered, aimed at Prime Minister, Health Minister and the rest of the cabinet. The procedure has been televised in order to raise awareness and confidence of the population. The National Center for Disease Control announced on 17/4 the countrywide launch of the vaccination against the Coronavirus pandemic in Tripoli, stressing that 426 vaccination sites across the country would be open to all who wish to be vaccinated. The following day, the Minister of Health announced the launch of the vaccination campaign in eastern Libya after a shipment of approximately 50,000 doses of vaccines arrived from Tripoli in Benghazi. The pre-registration for vaccination for those above 18 years of age counts 450,000 people registered. www.eservices.ly

According to the NCDC (National Centre for Disease Control) the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases reached 198,142 on 07 July compared to 185,776 on 30 May 2021. 3,223 people are reported to have died from COVID-19.

Actual figures of infections are estimated to be much higher but not detected due to the low level of testing. During epi-week 26 the number of lab tests were at an average of 3,100/day. However, the national positivity rate almost doubled from 8.3% in epi-week 25 to 14% in epi-week 26. The tendency is further increasing in the ongoing week (27). In the last calendar week, number of daily new cases have tripled, passing from some 400 new cases per day to 1248 new cases declared for 7 July. Press reports on the preoccupation of the NCDC Director about the surge of cases in neighbouring Tunisia and on his advice to stop all direct flights to Tunisia and close land borders.

Libya participates as self-financing country to COVAX but also has bilateral negotiations with various manufacturers. Libya contributed US$ 9.6 million for COVAX and almost 135M EUR for bilateral negotiations with vaccine manufacturers. The Libyan National Regulatory Authority has approved 6 vaccines for use in the country (AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, Sinopharm / Sinovac, Moderna and Sputnik V.

Libya remains classified under community transmission. The Scientific Advisory Committee for tackling the Coronavirus Pandemic has upgraded the Covid emergency alert level from (3) to (4), which means that transmission is high or rising exponentially. . In epi-week 26 there have been no significant changes for mortality rate (0.32 deaths per 100,000 cases). Al Marj and Jabal al Akhdar districts in the East and Ghat in the South have not reported any data in the last eight weeks.

A Migration Health Sub working Group Meeting was held on the 30thAugust 2021 focusing on the vaccination of migrants. The meeting was chaired by the Ministry of Health, Dr Husamadin M. Asaibi, from the International Cooperation Office. IOM was co-chair.

The Department of Combating Illegal Migration (DCIM), represented by the personal consultant of the Head of DCIM on matters related to medical cooperation and health services was in the chairing table, Dr Ebrahiem Daow.

MoH representative opened the meeting referring to the number of migrants present in Libya and the decision of vaccinating all migrants. The web site for the request of the vaccination is already open to all people in LY including migrants. The point is how to reach all migrants: MoH, NCDC, DCIM will cooperate with this focus. In urban areas IOM will work with the support of community leaders in order to identify migrants as well the ones without documents.

The meeting agreed and endorsed the importance of extending vaccination to migrants; a meeting will be organized soon to prepare a plan how to reach the migrants in different areas of Libya and how partners could be engaged and contribute to this effort. MOH concluded the meeting indicating that will inform IOM in 2-3 days to convene a technical meeting to prepare this micro plan for vaccination of migrants in detention centers and communities.

Consequently a Technical Workshop on “Planning for Vaccinating Migrants and Refugees in Libya” has been conduct in Tripoli on the 14th of September to discuss the micro plan for COVID for vaccination in detention centers.

After the vaccination technical meeting, another technical meeting will be organized on the 15 of September to discuss and prepare plan for EWARN/Rapid response in DCs. MoH on behalf of National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) and in close coordination with IOM, invited all the actors who works at the detention centers to attend one day technical session meeting to be held on 15 th September. The objective of this technical session is to finalize the roles and responsibilities, capacity building and reporting mechanism for expansion of Disease Early Warning and Alert Response Reporting to Detention Centers.

Human Rights and Migrant Detention

Detention Centres

As of 5/9 there are an estimated 4,564 migrants detained in Libya in the official Detention Centers (under DCIM). Among them 1,544 PoCs. The gender breakdown is male 88% and female 12%.

There is a downward trend that steadily continues, below the latest figures:

4,891 migrants detained in Libya as of 22 August 2021.

5,306 migrants detained in Libya as of 15 August 2021.

5,826 migrants detained in Libya as of 8 August 2021.

5,926 migrants detained in Libya as of 1 August 2021.

5,418 migrants detained in Libya as of 25 July 2021.

Mabani DC: The large majority of male migrants rescued at sea have been transferred to Mabani DC in Tripoli since it became operational in January. Currently there about 1,100 detainees in extreme overcrowding. Humanitarian actors report that the conditions are deplorable, there is no source of drinking water for the detainees, who are held in dark windowless cells with no space to lie down, no sufficient latrines nor adequate hygiene. There are reports of systematic violence and torture by the staff. In the reporting period, there was one disembarkation of concern involving the Mabani DC.

Tarik al Sikka DC: There are concerns about the propagation of the Covid-19 in the DC, while the overcrowding continues with almost 800 detainees. Visited by EUDEL in AUG.

Zawiya Street DC for women and children: DCIM started transferring women and children to Zawiya Street DC after it turned the former investigation and deportation centre into a “shelter for vulnerable people”. According to the IOM, the conditions of the DC are not in line with basic humanitarian standards, let alone for the most vulnerable detainees with special needs. Many detained women are pregnant and one woman gave birth in the cell in late February. IOM has delivered NFIs and started a fumigation and disinfection campaign. The centre is under the control of the DCIM Deputy al-Khoja but it is managed by Ziyad Amer. Some of the guards have been recruited from the Tripoli Revolutionary Brigades. There are no women guards. Between 11/17/4, IOM facilitated routine fumigation, cleaning and disinfection activities.

Abu Salim DC: 8 Migrants were reportedly injured by shooting, while more than 70 migrants escaped, during a riot at the Abu Salim migrant detention centre on 12 June at night. Two migrants are said to be in a critical condition and six are in stable situation. The current number of migrants is estimated around 780 down from earlier 1,300.

Ain Zara DC in Tripoli that had been closed due to the vicinity to the frontlines of conflict was reopened in late February 2021. Between 4-17/4, IOM provided 45 medical consultations. Between 25/4 and 1/5 , IOM facilitated garbage removal and sanitary facility cleaning (septic tank) at Ain Zara DC, as part of an effort to improve the minimum living standards of vulnerable migrants. 985 people are detained there.

Abu Rshada DC in Gharyan. Conditions turned increasingly brutal at the DC, where the population increased to 725 from 255 during April. Two detainees were shot in the legs while the DCIM has not allowed the medical referral of six detainees to be transferred to hospital. An armed group that regularly accesses the DC as part of the Gharyan Protection Brigade under Mahmoud Alghisri. It is based 200 meters away in an area controlled by Usama al-Juwaili’s Joint Forces. The guards are described by migrants as extremely intimidating, with some singled out for extorting migrants for ransoms in exchange for release of up to 6 000 LYD (€1 106), up from the regular fee of 2 000 LYD (€368). One group of Bangladeshis reportedly paid their way for release in April.

Abu Issa DC in Zawiya continues to operate despite the DCIM ordering its closure. UN has reported recent grave human rights violations, extrajudicial killings, rape and sexual violence, torture and degrading treatment, extortion, and smuggling/trafficking activities. The director of this DC was arrested but was released from charges and now continues in his function. There are reported to be 28 persons.

Baten Al-Jabal Collection and Return Centre in the Nalut province in the Tunisian border region was opened to receive migrants who are apprehended by the Desert Patrol Force. The apprehensions have mostly taken place at the Tiji check point and on the road between Sabha and Ghadames. The number of detainees has steadily increased at Baten al-Jabal DC, where the total number of detainees is now 126 incl. 60 PoCs

The Desert Patrol is running a detention facility in Derj that has not been in the list of official detention centers and where the international community has not had access previously to provide assistance to the detainees who had even gone on hunger strike earlier in 2021. Following the DCIM’s request for IOM to intervene in May, the IOM Protection team conducted a first assessment, fumigation and distribution of hygiene kits at the Derj “Gathering and Return Facility”. Of the 235 detainees, 208 have been brought there by the Desert Patrol.

Daher al Jabal DC in Zintan DC has been emptied.

An-Nasser DC in Zawiya is reportedly being open again outside the official DCIM system.

Souk al-Khamis DC is currently empty. The DCIM transferred all 80 detainees from Zliten DC to Mabani DC on 6 of January due to the termination of the catering company contract by 31/12/2020 at Zliten DC.

Al-Kufra DC in South-East of Libya is reportedly empty.

Countering irregular migration and countering smuggling and trafficking in persons

There are ongoing reports of a large numbers of East African migrants being held in poor conditions in Tazirbu, a town in the remote south-east of Libya. Tazirbu has long been an important hub for migratory routes entering Libya from the south-east; however, several factors contributed to the increased presence of migrants. The number of migrants crossing into the country from this corner of Libya has grown, mostly due to deteriorating conditions in Sudan and northern Ethiopia. On top of this, smugglers are using alternative routes to avoid Kufra, which is dominated by Subul al-Salam. This is concentrating flows via Tazirbu. Subul al-Salam’s Tazirbu branch reacted by increasing security operations around town, complicating northward movements, and causing a backlog of migrants.

UNICEF-IOM-UNODC will soon release its “Study on Smuggling of Migrants and Trafficking in Persons in Libya” that will be presented to the Libyan authorities as well.

Operations

International Presence

The presence of WHO, UNHCR, IOM, UNICEF and UNFPA international staff has increased as of 7/10, due to the lifting of the UN-internal lockdown on 6/10. Currently IOM is present with: deputy Chief of Mission and further 7 international staff in Tripoli and 2 International Staff in Benghazi.

UNHCR is present with only four international staff left in Libya, including Chief of Mission (CoM), Deputy Chief of Mission, Head of Programme and Head of Office in Benghazi.

UNICEF with 3 international staff in Tripoli; UNFPA with 1 international staff in Tripoli. WHO: International staff in Libya: 4 in Benghazi and 5 in Tripoli.

The Head of International Organizations of the MoI is responsible for implementing the newly adopted decree 116, used by the MOI to block all INGO visa applications. Currently, no new INGO visas are being issued. UNHCR has only 5 intl. staff with visas in country, and to date been unable to secure visa renewals. As of 30/05, among INGOs in Tripoli, presence was as follows:

DRC Tripoli (total): 9 international, 92 national staff, Tunis (total): 14 international, 8 national staff

IRC Tripoli (total): 7 international, 40 national staff, Tunis (total): 7 international, 8 national staff

CESVI Tripoli 5 international, 90 national staff, Misrata 2 international and 30 National staff, Zwara 10 staff.

NRC: Tripoli 6 International staff and 35 national and in Benghazi 2 and 40 national staff

INTERSOS: Tripoli: 2 International staff and 30 national, 2 in Benghazi and 20 national staff in Sebha

On 24/2 the Head of DCIM General Mabrouk sent a letter to IOM, UNHCR, IRC and MSF Holland requesting increasing coordination among UN agencies in providing assistance to migrants in DCs, after which the new Resident Coordination Georgette Gagnon met with Mabrouk. UN agencies and INGOs agreed to prepare a joint activity matrix calendar for all detention centres where UN agencies and INGOs are providing assistance. On 3/3 General Mabrouk sent another letter to UN agencies lamenting the slowness of their operations in DCs and requested the UN and NGOs to send the NFIs items directly to DCIM procurement department, which would then provide to distribute them to migrants in detention without assistance by UN agencies or other organisations. This remains a red line for concerned organisations, given the risk of diversion of humanitarian assistance.

AU/EU/UN Task Force: Several meetings have taken place since mid May to “revitalise” the tripartite TF, with the EU Ambassador, the AU Representative and the RC/HC, as well as the IOM and UNHCR representatives and the UNHCR SE for the Central Med. Immediate as well as mid-term priorities have been identified, to be pursued by the TF.

UNHCR Meeting with FM Mangoush: The meeting took place of 27 May, following a series of interventions by the SE, RC/HC as well as ambassadors/donors, in support of UNHCR’s visa situation and of the resuming of humanitarian flights out of Libya. The FM appeared open-minded, but mis-informed by senior MFA officials about UNHCR. While the FM showed commitment to continue pushing MoI on humanitarian flights, the discussion on UNHCR’s standing in the country was more difficult: she expressed MFA’s expectation that all 43,000 UNHCR-registered persons of concern (PoCs) be evacuated and resettled, after which UNHCR should basically suspend registration of new arrivals. The FM spontaneously raised the matter of conditions in DCs: they are not good; the FM has a human rights background and appreciates that Libya needs to act, but this is a complex matter, which will take time. UNHCR HoM Cavalieri replied that refugees flee their countries because of conflict or persecution, but they “choose” Libya for the same reasons as economic migrants: the Libyan economy needs foreign workforce, they find employment in Libya, send remittances to their families and most UNHCR-registered PoCs are actually working in Libya – they are not a burden to the society. On registration under UNHCR’s mandate: this is what UNHCR has been doing in Libya over the past 30 years, in close consultation with, and within the limits/constraints imposed by the Libyan authorities (i.e. the so-called nine authorised nationalities). Registration is undertaken for the purpose of identifying persons in need of international protection as well as those among them with specific needs, for the purpose of targeted provision of lifesaving assistance and implementation of durable solutions outside Libya – i.e. UNHCR is part of the solution.

On humanitarian evacuations and resettlement, UNHCR explained the global resettlement needs v. slots available, whereas in Libya pre-COVID 2019, UNHCR managed to resettle/evacuate 2,400 refugees or 5% of the then total registered population, i.e. much higher percentage than globally. It was also made clear that resettlement/evacuations are an act of solidarity and responsibility-sharing by the international community with Libya, and there is a reputational risk for Libya in blocking humanitarian flights (UNHCR has now over 1,000 refugees pending evacuation/resettlement). The FM committed to continue intervening, but asked that all evacuation requests be channelled through MFA: UNHCR HoM reassured her that this was the case, but that MFA had omitted to process UNHCR’s various NV addressed to MoI (and gave her a copy of the complete file with all NVs on the Rwanda flight, upon which MFA failed to take action)..

On 15/6 Gen. Hussein, Head of DCIM (Eastern Region) met with representatives of UNHCR IOM and UNICEF to discuss conditions in IDCs and obstacles facing DCIM branches as well as ways of improved cooperation with international organizations.

B) UNHCR HoM met with the new MFA Deputy Minister for International Organisations, in an attempt to break the ice and address some of the misperceptions. The DM is new but the concerns are not. Two key concerns expressed (among others): (i) issuance of “refugee” certificates by UNHCR [NB: UNHCR HoM clarified that UNHCR only issues registration certificates, for the purpose of access to assistance] and (ii) UNHCR “attracts” refugees in Libya, whose population is small and ethnic equilibrium fragile [NB: HoM clarified that the average length of presence in Libya prior to registration is 1-2 years and that, besides medical, UNHCR’s assistance is of lifesaving nature, not attractive, and most refugees are working in Libya, benefiting the economy]. On the positive side, UNHCR hope to have established a communication channel with the DM, which we shall nurture. Follow-up is taking place with the FM’s office directly, in relation to a possible visit of the High Commissioner to Libya.

Resettlements (RST) and Humanitarian Evacuations

Suspension of humanitarian flights: On 8 August, DCIM informed of the suspension of all humanitarian flights. The situation was tentatively solved during a 10 August UNHCR/IOM meeting with DCIM, in which the agencies have been reassured that imminent fights would be able to proceed. However, this promised authorisation never materialised: IOM VHR flight to Bangladesh, scheduled for the 11 August, had to be cancelled, and so was UNHCR’s evacuation flight to the emergency transit mechanism (ETM) Niger, with 161 passengers, scheduled for the 12th. All in all, 335 refugees were scheduled for UNHCR evacuation or resettlement in August. In total, over 1,000 refugees are pending resettlement or evacuation out of Libya.

DCIM confirmed its suspension decision in writing to UNHCR and to IOM, on 12 and 15 August, respectively, but without written explanation. SE Kubis has taken up the matter with top GNU officials, and UNHCR is thankful to those ambassadors who also advocated for these flights with the Libyan authorities, including in the context of the Tripartite AU/EU/UN Task Force. On 6 September, a joint UNHCR/IOM/UNSMIL letter was handed-over Unoccially to PM Dbaibah, who committed to work in solving the matter.

Notwithstanding the above, UNHCR managed on 16 August to evacuate the five Somali refugee girls to Italy, following their earlier release from the Share Zawiya detention centre. This exceptional evacuation (on a commercial flight through Istanbul) was made possible thanks to the intervention of the Italian embassy.

Based on the 22 June official letter from General Mabrouk, the Head of DCIM informed that humanitarian flights can resume. UNHCR is scheduled to move forward with their humanitarian evacuation flight to ETM Rwanda on 15 of July and reportedly has all flight authorizations facilitated by DCIM.

This humanitarian evacuation flight to ETM Rwanda (originally planned for 24 April, then blocked) is scheduled for 15 July (approx. 130 pax). “Only” 10% of the PoCs in the original manifest are not traceable but were replaced with other PoCs earlier selected for humanitarian evacuation.

The next evacuation flight was tentatively planned for end July to Italy, but upon the request of the Italian govt, it will be postponed to September.

Therefore, following Rwanda, the next evacuation flight will be to ETM Niger, on 12 August (up to 200 PoCs). Beyond, some 232 PoCs have already been screened by UNHCR Libya for further humanitarian evacuations in 2021, and more PoCs are being processed.

UNHCR direct resettlements to Norway and Canada that have been stopped by the Libyan MoFA, most likely also due to the new procedure outlined in the letter of 14/4, there is no a new date available yet. There are 641 refugees accepted for direct resettlement from Libya to third countries, out of whom 381 have been issued travel documents.

During the week between 12-19/3, with the logistical support of IOM, UNHCR supported 42 refugees to depart from Libya through two resettlement flights, one bound for Europe and the second for Canada. In the previous week 40 persons had been resettled to Canada and Sweden.

During the last week of March, with IOM’s logistical support, 36 refugees were resettled to Europe and Canada. All persons underwent testing for COVID-19 prior to departure.

As of 1/7 In total in 2021, 201 PoCs departed directly from Libya:

March: 119 departed - 31 to Canada, 67 to Sweden and 21 to Norway via ETC Romania (nationalities Eritrean, Sudanese and Syrian);

February: 21 departed to Canada (15 Syrian and 6 Sudanese);

January: 61 departed to Canada (52 Syrian, 5 Sudanese, 4 Eritreans).

In 2020, 533 persons of concern were evacuated from Libya to the ETMs and ETC: 281 to ETM Niger, 209 to ETM Rwanda, 43 to ETC Romania. In 2020, 321 departed from Libya directly to Resettlement Countries (6 to Italy, 12 to Canada, 131 to Norway, 137 to Sweden and 35 to Switzerland).

Pledges: In 2021, UNHCR received pledges for 900 resettlement places for Libya (400 for Canada, 300 for Sweden and 200 for Norway).

In 2020, 930 were pledged (400 by Canada, 200 by Norway, 200 by Sweden, 130 by Italy). Negotiations are ongoing between UNHCR and Italy for 2021, as IT put on hold the original pledge of 1,000 humanitarian evacuations during to the pandemic in 2020.

Since November 2017, 6,583 vulnerable refugees and asylum-seekers departed from Libya with the support of UNHCR and essential contribution of the European Union. With the following breakdown:

3,361 persons of concern were evacuated from Libya to the Emergency Transit Mechanism (ETM) in Niger.

From September 2019 until 15 July, 648 were evacuated from Libya to ETM Rwanda.

808 humanitarian evacuations to Italy (from 2017 to 2019) and recently (August 2021) 5 vulnerable girls have been evacuated to Italy.

there have been as well 1,761 resettled departures directly from Libya.

NB The “humanitarian corridors”, to date still not used for asylum seekers from Libya, are a "private sponsorship" project carried out through the signing of Memoranda of Understanding between the Italian Ministry of the Interior and Foreign Affairs and religious associations (Community of Sant'Egidio, Federation of Evangelical Churches and “Tavola Valdese” and Conference Italian Episcopal, acting through the Italian Caritas and the Fondazione “Migrantes” ). To date, a total of 2,768 asylum seekers from Lebanon, Ethiopia, Jordan, Niger and Turkey have been transferred to Italy. The reception burden is borne by the associations, which support the beneficiaries who have arrived in Italy in the normal procedures for asylum seekers.

ETM Niger

As of 30/6, there are currently in ETM

24 refugees departed last week on resettlement from Niger to Canada and Sweden

351 Libya evacuees are currently in the ETM sites

151 evacuees are pending departure

123 evacuees are pending decisions/interviews

In February 2021, 33 Libya evacuees and 25 refugees from Agadez departed on resettlement. In 2021, a total of 130 persons departed on resettlement between January and March. A further three Libyan evacuees departed Niger to the transit centre in Romania, pending departure to their final destination. The long waiting times and suspension of several activities due to COVID-19 related restrictions negatively impacted the mental health of refugees in the ETM. In response additional information sessions and psychosocial counselling were organized

Since November 2017, 3,361 persons were evacuated from Libya to Niger. 3,753 persons departed on resettlement from Niger, including 2,782 evacuees from Libya, 971 refugees registered in Niger (based on March 2021 figures). Departures for resettlement form the ETM breaks down as follows: 234 in 2017, 1,3017 in 2018, 1,7349 in 2019 and 554 in 2020.

ETM Rwanda

As of 22/6, there in ETM Rwanda:

240 evacuees present in Rwanda

115 evacuees pending departure

108 evacuees pending decisions/interviews by third countries

The capacity of the ETM has increased in order to host an overall number of 500 PoCs. The UNHCR agreement with Rwanda government will expire in September 2021.

515 persons were evacuated from Libya to Rwanda since September 2019. 262 evacuees departed from Rwanda to resettlement countries so far with 30 persons in October 2020 alone to Canada and Sweden.

The registration and verification exercise for the 130 PoCs to UNHCR evacuated through the fifth flight was completed. In the month of February, 9 refugees were resettled to Canada, 2 to Norway and 1 to Sweden. A family reunification case (complementary legal pathways) for an Eritrean female refugee and her son, was accepted by Belgium, planned to depart still in March. With the accommodation capacity in the ETM increasing, a sixth evacuation flight is under planning.

Transit and gathering shelters

Gathering and Departure Facility (GDF)

Since 2018, 1,713 refugees departed via Gathering and Departure Facility. The GDF currently remains empty. It has not been visited by UN International staff since 31/03/2020. UNHCR Head of Mission had a meeting with the Head of international cooperation of the Ministry of Health (MoH) on 6/10 to discuss the possibility to use the GDF as a Covid-19 quarantine/isolation facility. Access should be granted to Libyan/migrants/PoCs. As February 2021, the subject has still not been discussed between MoH and MoI. UNHCR Chief of mission will introduce the file with the new Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for Libya, Georgette Gagnon in the coming weeks. On 22/3 UNHCR reported that no meeting had been organised between Georgette Gagnon and the MoI on the topic of the reopening of GDF.

Misrata Transit Shelter

On the 12 of July, the LRC shelter in Misrata was emptied and all 37 resident refugees have been relocated, with UNHCR’s and IRC’s support, to Misrata and Tripoli. This is following the conflict of legitimacy between the old Misrata LRC management and the new one, appointed by LRC headquarters in Benghazi, and the occupation by the latter of the LRC branch office in Misrata. Both teams are being supported by different powerbrokers in Misrata. A court decision is expected, to settle the conflict of legitimacy and related claim over the occupancy of the LRC branch office. When and if the situation stabilises, we hope to be able to re-use the LRC shelter in Misrata, which has met critical humanitarian needs in hosting most vulnerable refugees pending resettlement.

IOM-UNICEF Joint shelter in Misrata for vulnerable children and women

An IOM/UNICEF mission to Misrata took place on 8/4 to follow up discussions with the municipal council on the establishment of the transitional center for vulnerable women and children (including unaccompanied and separated ones). IOM and UNICEF had a dedicated meeting with the major of the municipality and a member of his cabinet, who made clear that the municipality would only agree to have the transitional center in Misrata if managed by LRC and placed in the LRC compound.

Voluntary Humanitarian Returns (VHR)

As of 11 of July, it looks like all is moving forward with the VHR but because of the upcoming Eid celebrations the first flight with take place afterwards on the 27th. IOM received the agreement to submit the Note Verbale to MoFA and DCIM and both entities talked to each other and agree on the coordination modalities for VHR flights. It seems all entities will move this forward now.

On June 22, IOM and UNHCR received an official letter from the Head of DCIM authorizing the recommencement of VHR flights and humanitarian evacuations. However, IOM had in the meantime submitted authorization requests through NVs to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to recommence VHR flights which had not been responded to, so IOM has been hesitant to restart the flights. Instead, IOM has chosen to wait for MoFA authorization which is the main reason for the delays on the IOM VHR side.

VHR pipeline: As soon as the VHR flights will restart (date foreseen 27 of July), there is a pipeline of 16 VHR flights ready to departure for an overall number of around 2500 migrants until end of October . Outreach and information, sessions, as well as identification and registration activities continued,and consular follow-up requested by respective Embassies: 2 flights foreseen in July: on the 27 of July, from Derj to Egypt, on the 29 of July from Tripoli to Gambia, 8 flights in August: on the 3 August from Sabha to Gambia, on the 5 August from Sabha to Nigeria, on the 10 August Tripoli Ghana, 12 August Tripoli Mali, 17 August Misrata Niger, 19 August Benghazi Bangladesh, 26 August Tripoli Sudan, 29 August Misrata Nigeria; 4 flights are foreseen in September and 2 in October.

Previously, only one VHR flight was carried out during the month of April. The VHR flight foreseen to Burkina Faso with a final stop to Gambia that was rescheduled for the 27/4 has been rescheduled to the 6/5 but postponed again to an undefined date. In May two VHR flights departed from Benina airport in Benghazi. Details as below:

On 1/4 IOM Libya organized a fifth VHR charter flight from Tripoli (Mitiga airport) to Khartoum/Sudan. Total number onboard was 145 (23 Females and 122 Males) migrants. There were 20 migrants with medical conditions, 1 unaccompanied and Separated Child (UASC) and 11 families onboard the flight. The charter flight was escorted by a Medical escort. In total, 145 migrants were living in different urban settings in Libya. IOM managed to conduct pre-departure COVID-19 testing for all passengers.

On 4/5 IOM Libya organized a VHR charter flight from Benghazi to Dhaka/Bangladesh. The flight departed from Benina airport with onboard 160 (1 female and 159 Males) migrants. There were 7 migrants with medical conditions onboard the flight. There was one dead body onboard the flight to be transported to Bangladesh as requested by the Embassy. In total, 153 migrants were living in different urban settings in Libya and 7 Ganfoda detention center. The VHR for these migrants was made possible with the support of the EUTF (the IOM-EU joint initiatives).

On 10/5 IOM Libya successfully organized a VHR charter flight from Benghazi to Lagos/Nigeria . The flight departed from Benina airport with onboard 72 (44 Females and 28 Males) migrants. There was 1 migrant with medical conditions and 11 families onboard. In total, 63 migrants were living in different urban settings in Libya and 9 were from Ganfoda detention center. The VHR for these migrants was made possible with the support of the EUTF (the IOM-EU joint initiatives) - Libya programme.To be noted that while the charter was planned to do a stopover in Sabha to include an additional 84 Nigerian Migrants in need to return to their home country, unfortunately IOM had to cancel this segment because unexpectedly The authorities in Sabha requested a written approval from the head of DCIM in Tripoli.

In 2020, 3,391 migrants have returned through the VHR mechanism ( funded by EUTF and Italy bilateral funds) to Bangladesh (1121), Cameroon (9), Egypt (1), Eritrea (4), Ethiopia (2), Gambia (24), Ghana (400), Guinea (10), Indian (7), Mali (439 ), Niger (441), Nigeria (284), Pakistan (29), Philippines (12), Senegal (1), Sierra Leone (5), Somalia (26) Somaliland (49), Sudan (520), Togo (5) and Uganda (1). In 2020: 95,5 % of migrants returned were coming from urban locations and 4,5% from DCs; 77% from Tripoli area, 16% from the East, 87% male and 13%female; 92% adults and 8% children.

In 2021, 945 migrants have returned through the VHR mechanism: 308 to Bangladesh, 294 to Mali, 190 to Nigeria,145 to Sudan and 5 to Pakistan via seven charter flights..

The total number of migrants returned since 2015 via VHR by IOM until today is 53,135.

Between 1/5/2017 and 1/05/2021, under the EU Trust Fund, IOM supported 35,963 migrants to voluntarily return to 38 countries of origin to: Afghanistan (12), Algeria (35), Bangladesh (2,364), Benin (14), Burkina Faso (767), Cameroon (505), Chad (179), Comores (108), Congo (3), Cote d’Ivoire (1537), D.R.C (19), Djibouti (7), Egypt (110), Eritrea (34), Ethiopia (210), Gambia (1716), Ghana (1037), Guinea (2334), Guinea Bissau (31), India (8), Iraq (1), Kenya (12), Liberia (2) Mali (5,388), Mauritania (1), Morocco (5), Nepal (22), Niger (4305), Nigeria (10,712), Pakistan (300), Philippines (12), Senegal (931), Sierra Leone (168), Somali (374), Somaliland (108), South Sudan (1), Sudan (2186), Togo (33) and Uganda (2). The majority of the returnees were from urban locations.

Labour Migration activities

On 24/5 MoL informed IOM about the signature of a bilateral labour agreement with. Both parties are currently in the process of setting up an online platform of labour demand vs supply and an Egyptian Delegation was expected to travel to Tripoli. During the EUD meeting in Tripoli with MoL, the latter said that the signature of the BLA is still in process..

On 25/05, IOM DTM published a research study conducted with the Georgetown University, titled "Mapping Labour Skills Of Migrants In Misrata"; the report can be found at: https://migration.iom.int/reports/iom-libya-and-georgetown-university-mapping-labour-skills-migrants-misrata.

Beginning of July the IOM Labour Market Assessment of Libya, in collaboration with the UNDP has been finalised. IOM and UNDP organized a joint launching on the 2nd of September of the Labour Market Assessment covering migrants and as well youth LY population at the presence of the Minister of Labour.main findings and recommendations for enhanced labour forces in Libya have been presented and discussed.

In addition the EU via IOM is facilitating the ongoing work on Bilateral Agreement (BLA) and preparation for next round table between Libya and identified neighboring countries. Moreover trainings of Libyan authorities on labour migration management of workers’ rights are as well supported.

Below further activities:

Enhancing Labour market information system (LMIS), including ICT platform development.

Supporting the Libyan authorities to develop a strategic plan on labour migration governance.

Enhancing the training curriculum of vocational training (TVET).

Coming up with recommendations to streamline nation-wide system setup to profile and document foreign workers.

Improving access to the labour market to promote the use of labour market information system (LMIS) among public and private agencies.

Provide capacity building to relevant public entities to manage migration data

Contribution to ongoing research on major migration trends within North Africa, including a feasibility study on regularization modalities that can be relevant to Libyan context.

Financial and technical support to local Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to implement livelihood generating initiatives.

Protection and Healthcare Activities

Urban assistance

The UNHCR urban programme continues to be delivered, out of the Community Day Centre (CDC) as well as through outreach to the communities by UNHCR staff and partners. In 2021, over 12,000 asylum-seekers and refugees have been reached under the UNHCR-WFP food programme, in Tripoli, Misrata, Zawiya and Zwara (the authorities in Benghazi have not yet given their greenlight). This is twice the number of beneficiaries reached by the cash programme (6,433), which is still constrained by the liquidity shortage in the country. UNHCR Libya has nevertheless managed to expand its cash programme, through a combination of cash at hand and (NRC) cash cards.

30 August, upon invitation of UNHCR, two officials from the Presidential Council (PC) visited the UNHCR Registration Centre. This was the first time Libyan GNA/GNU/PC officials were visiting the UNHCR office. They were appreciative of UNHCR’s efforts to provide assistance to asylum-seekers in Libya and to find durable solutions outside Libya for those most at risk. They showed willingness to support UNHCR’s efforts in the conclusion of an MoU with the Libyan government, to formalise our presence in the country.

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Note prepared by Christophe Goussot – EEAS - based on information provided by partner organisations present on the ground / input by EUDEL Libya/ DG ECHO/ DG NEAR/ DG HOME

Annex - Estimated number of people in detention as of 06/09/2021

As of 5/9 there were a total of 4,564 migrants detained in in centers under the Directorate for Combatting Illegal Migration (DCIM) Among them 1,544 PoCs

As of 06/7, there were a total of 6134, (among them 1014 PoCs) migrants detained in centers under the Directorate for Combatting Illegal Migration (DCIM) across Libya. 88% male and 12% female.

As of 23/5, there were a total of 5,097 migrants detained in centers under the Directorate for Combatting Illegal Migration (DCIM) across Libya. In terms of overall evolution this compares to the 09/05 there were a total of 4,502, on the 25 April, there were a total of 3810 migrants; on 28/3, 3,759 detainees out of them 955 PoCs; on 14/03: 3,858 detainees out of them 1055 PoCs, on 28/02, 4,311 detainees out of them 587 PoCs and on 22 of February 3,934 detainees out of them 502 PoCs) including Investigation Units and non-DCIM centres in Tripoli.

Haylandaluz Investigation Unit: No international organization has access. Reported beatings of migrants committed by security staff. EU partners have chosen not to provide training or NFIs or health assistance at the Investigation Units.

Detention Centres in Tripoli

The total number of migrants detainees in DCs in Tripoli area are on 5/9, 3291 (1074 PoCs). On 6/07, 4455 (549 PoCs): On 15/06, 3418 (459 PoCs). On 09/05, 3266 (459 PoCs). On 25/4 the total number of migrants detainees in DCs in Tripoli area were 2722 (459 PoCs). On 18/4, 3296 (459 PoCs) .On 28/3, 2,897 (453 PoCs). On 14/03: 3,013 (442 PoCs) as of 28/02; 3,518 (including 299 PoCs). As of 22/2, 3,014 (including 372 PoCs), as compared to 1,899 beginning of February and 707 as mid of January.

Abu Salim DC: on 5/9 540 (188 PoCs). On 6/07, 860 (149 PoCs). On 23/05, 673 ((139 PoCs). On 09/05 582 (139 PoCs) On 25/4, 416 (139 PoCs).. On 18/4, 500 (out of them 139 PoCs). As 28/03, 218 (out of them 139 PoCs) as of 14/03 285 (out of them 139 PoCs) as of 28/02, 348 detainees (out of them 2PoCs); 22 of February, 225 (out of them 2 PoCs); beginning of February 116 (compared to 186 as mid of January).

Tariq Al Sikka DC: on 5/9, 611 (206 PoCs). On 6/07, 743 (55PoCs). On 23/05, 313 (146 PoCs). On 09/05446 (146 PoCs) On 25/4, 215 (146 PoCs). On 18/4, 418 out of them 146 PoCs; as 28/03, 400 (out of them 146 PoCs), as 14/03 541 (out of them 122 PoCs) as of 28/02, 799 detainees (out of them 122 PoCs); 22 of February, 859 detainees (out of them 250 PoCs), beginning of February 711 detainees (compared to 436 as mid of January). Although DCIM had officially delisted Tarik al-Sikka DC in July, but asked IOM to re-establish service provision. This notorious DC is reportedly under the control of the acting deputy of DCIM al-Khoja.

Mabani DC: on 5/9 1160 (420 PoCs). On 6/07, 1575 (203 PoCs). On 23/05, 1600, 110. On 09/05, 1600 (out of them 110 PoCs) same figures as the 25/4, On 18/4, 1700 (out of them 110 PoCs); as 28/03 1650 (110PoCs) as of 14/03, 1.500 detainees (out of them 110PoCs); as of 28/02 1,686 detainees (out of them 110 PoCs) 964 detainees, compared to 70 detainees as mid of January. Former Investigation Unit officialised as a DC in July 2020.

Janzour DC: Currently empty.

Zawiya Street DC, on 5/9, 120 (no PoCs). On 6/07,10 (7PoCs). On 23/05, 32(10PoCs) on 09/05, 58 (10 POCs) On the 25/4 91 (10PoCs) On 18/4, 90 (out of them 10 PoCs); as 28/03, 104 (out of them 4 PoCs) as of 14/03 162 (out of them 17 PoCs); as of 28/02 235 detainees (out of them 11 PoCs) 22 of February 288 detainees compared to 108 detainees beginning of February, (15 as mid of January), A former Investigation Unit officialised as a DC in July 2020.

Sabaa DC: Currently empty. This centre is no longer under DCIM.

Qasr Bin Ghasheer: Currently empty. This centre is no longer under DCIM.

Ain Zara: on 5/9, 860 (260 PoCs). On 6/07, 1267 (135 PoCs). On 23/05, 800 (54) on 09/05, 580 (54 PoCs). On 25/4, 400 (54 PoCs) On 18/4, 525 detainees (out of them 54 PoCs) same numbers as mid of March. 22 of February empty. This centre is no longer under DCIM.

Detention Centres in the North - West

The total number of migrant detainees in DCs in North West on 5/9, 1026 (385 PoCs).On 06/07 is: 1028 (328 PoCs). On 23/05 was 933 (326 PoCs) On 09/05, 618 (313 PoCs). On the 25/4, 626 (313 PoCs). On 18/4, 473 (out of them 313 PoCs); as 28/03 403 (out of them 313 PoCs) as of 14/03: 382 (out of them 318 PoCs); as 28/02 150 out of them 88 PoCs, on 22 of February 232 out of them 78 PoCs, beginning of February 290.

Zintan (Dhahar Al Jabal) DC: Currently empty (compared to 326 migrants out of them 324 PoCs in December) (mainly Eritrean and Somali single males).

Zwara DC: Currently empty.

Sabratha DC: 0 detainees. Sabratha DC has recently been moved back to its old location (in 2016-18). Mid-June 2020 185 migrants were transferred to the centre while it is now reportedly empty.

Zawiya Abu Issa DC: on 5/9, 29 (10PoCs). On 06/07, 29 (10PoCs), on 23/5, 99 (28 PoCs) same figures as on 09/05, the 25/4, 99; as 28/03 same figures as of 14/03: 29 (out of them 28 PoCs); as of 28/02 35 detainees and 28 PoCs. On the 22 of February 134 detainees and 26 PoCs, beginning of February 103 detainees (compared to 127 migrants as mid of January) UN has reported recent grave human rights violations, extrajudicial killings, rape and sexual violence, torture and degrading treatment, extortion, and smuggling/trafficking activities. The director of Abu Issa DC in Zawiya has been arrested for these allegations. There are plans to close down the DC.

Zawiya Al Nasr DC: currently empty TBC. Until October, 257 detainees, including 44 PoCs. Acting deputy of DCIM Mohammed al-Khoja issued a decree on 19/9 announcing the closure of al-Nasser DC in Zawiya.

Gharyan al Hamra DC: Reopened on 22/10/2020. Currently empty.

Ghiryan Abu Rashada DC on 5/9, 620 (245 PoCs). On 06/07, 673 (245 PoCs). On 23/05, 505 (205PoCs) On 9/05, 390 (225 PoCs) On the 25/4 398 (225 PoCs). On 18/4, 255 (out of them 225 PoCs); as 28/03, 251 (out of them 225 PoCs) as of 14/3: 230 PoCs

Tweisha DC: Currently empty.Reopened on 22/10/2020.

Wadi al-Hay in Nalut: Currently empty. A “collection and return center” introduced on 8/11/2020.

Baten al-Jabal in Gharyan: on 5/9, 127 (60 PoCs). On 6/07, 118 (60 PoCs). On 23/05,121(60PoCs)On 09/05 129 (60 PoCs). On the 25/4 , 129 (60 PoCs). On 18/4, 116 (out of them 60 PoCs); as of 28/3, 123 (out of them 60 PoCs) same figures as 14/03, as 28/02 115 and 60 PoCs. On the 22 of February 101 and 60 PoCs, beginning of February 187 detainees (as mid-January 94 detainees). A “collection and return center” introduced on 8/11/2020.

Daraj DC on 5/9, 250 (70 PoCs). On 06/07 confirmed the same figures as on 23/05, 208 (13)PoCs)

Detention Centres in the West

On 5/9 the Detention Centers in the West are reported currently empty. On 6/07 they have been reported to be empty as well. Beginnig of February, the total number of migrant detainees in DCs in West was 80, including 20 PoCs.

Souk al-Khamis DC: Currently empty but not officially delisted. The DC manager is being investigated for HR violations. Concerns of possible smuggling and trafficking activities after the official closure of the DC. On 19/08, 18 Bangladeshi migrants were abducted at Souk al Khamis DC by an armed group. Their whereabouts remain unknown.

Zliten DC: Currently empty. Beginning of February 80 including 20 PoCs (95 in December),

Sirt DC: Currently empty. This centre is no longer under DCIM.

Detention Centres in the South

Al-Qatroun in Murzuq: on 06/07 currently empty (25 detainees in December). A “collection and return center” introduced on 8/11/2020.

Al-Shati in Brak al-Shati. On 06/07 currently empty. A “collection and return center” introduced on 8/11/2020.

Al-Kufra DC: 5/9, 0. 325 (130 PoCs). As of 23/05, 396 (287 PoCs) same figures as of 09/05.. On the 25/4 , 270 (229 PoCs). On 18/4, 229 since 14/03 238 (all PoCs) on 28/02, at the beginning of February 272 (80 in January, compared to 199 in Dec/ to 376 in November, a significant reduction of detainees due to continued deportations over the border to neighbouring countries throughout the Covid-19 pandemic).

Sebha DC: Currently empty.

Detention Centres under the DCIM in the East as of 5/09/2021

On 5/9 the Detention Centers 247 migrnats out of them 85 PoCs have been reported in the DCs in the East

As of 06/07 the total number of migrant detainees in DCs located in the East of Libya 326 (7 PoCs).

As of 23/05, the total number of migrant detainees in DCs located in the East of Libya is 350 (35PoCs). On 09/05,, 222 (45 PoCs) On the 25/4 , 462 (274 PoCs). On 18/4, 386 (274 PoCs) .On 28/3 the total was 459 out of them 229 PoCs. On 14/03:643 detainees out them 200 PoCs. As 22 of February 411, compared to 702 as end of January.

Al-Bayda DC: 5/9, 25. 06/07, 35. On 23/05, 45: On 09/05, 19. On the 25/4, 20. On 18/4, 4,20 on 14/03: 33; on 28/02 25. On 22 of February, 29, at beginning of February 28, (31 in January, 35 in December compared to 26 in Nov 2020).

Shahat DC: 5/9, 30. 06/07, 45. On 23/05, 33. On 09/05, 15. On the 25/4, 10. On 18/4, 30 since 14/03 15; on 28/02 16, On 22 of February, 33 detainees, at the beginning of February 32, (37 in January, compared to 17 in December, 34 in Nov)

Tobruk DC: 5/9, 11. 06/07, 14. On 23/05, 13. On 09/05, 0 On the 25/4, 14. On 18/4, 10 since on 14/03 25 on 28/02 28, on 22 of February, 22 detainees, at the beginning of February 15, (5 in January, compared to 18 in December, 28 in Nov)

Ajdabiya 5/9, 0. DC: 06/07, 13. On 23/05, 0. On 22 February, 5, at the beginning of February 19 (29 in January, compared to 23 in December and 74 in November).

Ganfouda DC: 5/9, 179 (85 PoCs). 06/07, 160 (PoCs 7). On 23/05, 175 (17 PoCs) On 09/05,, 120. On the 25/4, 80 (17 PoCs) On 18/4, 61, on 28/3 119; on 14/03, 100 (out of them 29 PoCs) on 28/02 190. On 2/2, 123, at the beginning of February 260 (100 in January, compared to 120 in November/Dec).

Al Marj DC: 5/9, 2. 06/07, 7 On 23/05, 12. On 09/05, 14. On the 25/4, 14. 0 on 28/2. On 22 of February, 14, at the beginning of February 16 (28 in January, same figure as in Dec compared to 38 on 1st of November and to 22 in mid-Oct).

Tolmeitha DC: 5/9, 0. 06/07, 19. On 23/05, 22. On the 25/4, 22 On 18/4, 13, on 28/3 24; on 14/03: 13 and 0 PocS, on 28/2. On 22/2, 34, at the beginning of February 31 (18 in January, empty in December /compared to 12 detainees in mid-Oct).

Alguba DC: 5/9, 0 06/07, 33. On 23/05, 39 (28) On 09/05, 32. On the 25/4 , 32. (28 PoCs) On 18/4, 39, on 28/3 27; on 14/03 39 (out of them 28 PoCs) on 28/2 39. On 22/2, 45, at the beginning of February 29 (47 in January, compared to 39 in Dec, 44 in November, 55 detainees in mid-Oct).

The number of 201 persons refers to how many have left Libya, 189 refugees it is how many have arrived in the RST country (To ensure no double counting for those who are leaving via ETC Romania, In other words, a person who is in the ETC Romania is not yet ‘resettled’, only once the person arrives in the third country).