Rising Toll of Migrant Deaths on Libyan Shores

On February 21, 2023, five bodies of migrants, including two women, were discovered washed ashore in Qasr al-Akhyar, a coastal town approximately 73 kilometers east of Tripoli, Libya. Hassan Al-Ghawil, head of investigations at the local police station, reported that the bodies were found on Emhamid Al-Sharif shore and were identified as dark-skinned individuals. Eyewitnesses indicated that a child's body was also seen but was swept back into the sea due to high waves. The local coast guard has been alerted to search for the missing child. Al-Ghawil noted that the bodies appeared intact, suggesting the possibility of more bodies washing ashore in the future.

The Straits TimesUnidentified body recovered from beach in Zawiya

This incident follows a tragic event earlier in February, where fifty-three migrants, including two infants, were reported dead or missing after a rubber boat capsized off the coast of Zuwara, a town in western Tripoli. The International Organization for Migration highlighted the ongoing dangers faced by migrants in Libya, including risks of violence and exploitation.

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Since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, Libya has become a significant transit point for migrants fleeing conflict and poverty in their home countries, aiming to reach Europe via the Mediterranean Sea. The country has been embroiled in factional conflicts since 2014, further complicating the humanitarian situation for migrants. The United Nations has raised alarms about the treatment of migrants in Libya, citing reports of killings, torture, and sexual violence, and has called for a moratorium on the return of migrant boats to Libya until human rights conditions improve.

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In a separate incident, the Libyan Red Crescent reported the recovery of an unidentified body on the beach in Zawiya, another coastal city. The organization dispatched a recovery team to the Al-Matred resort area following a notification from local authorities. The body was subsequently handed over to the relevant authorities for legal processing.

Unidentified body recovered from beach in ZawiyaThe Straits Times

Critics have pointed to the dire conditions faced by migrants in Libya, emphasizing the urgent need for international intervention and support. Human rights organizations have condemned the ongoing violence and exploitation, calling for immediate action to protect vulnerable populations.

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The International Organization for Migration has reiterated the necessity of ensuring the safety and rights of migrants in Libya. They have urged for comprehensive measures to address the humanitarian crisis and protect those at risk.

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While the reports from Qasr al-Akhyar and Zawiya highlight the ongoing tragedy of migrant deaths, there remains a lack of comprehensive data on the total number of migrants who have perished in the Mediterranean this year. The situation continues to evolve, with calls for more robust responses from both local and international authorities.

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• “We reported to the Red Crescent to recover the bodies,” — Hassan Al-Ghawil, Head of Investigations, Qasr Al-Akhyar Police Station.

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• “report said migrants in Libya, including young girls, are at risk of being killed, tortured, raped or put into domestic slavery, calling for a moratorium on the return of migrant boats to the country until human rights are ensured.” — United Nations Report.

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