Story perspectives

Protesters Block UNHCR Office in Tripoli, UN Condemns Misinformation

6/6/2026

Summary

UN Condemns Blockade

On June 5, 2026, demonstrators blocked the United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) office in Tripoli, prompting UN concern.
U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric condemned attacks on personnel, warned misinformation about UN work in Libya is spreading, and urged platforms to counter it.
United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) said there is no UN resettlement program and that UNHCR evacuates people to third countries or arranges voluntary returns.

Summary

Security Forces Intervene

Security forces intervened at the protest site to stop demonstrators damaging United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) property and to keep order around the UN compound.
The International Organization for Migration estimated that 900,000 migrants and refugees, many Sudanese, were living in Libya by mid-2024.
Analysts say migrant trafficking yields profits in eastern Libya, driving the country's role as a departure point since the 2011 overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi.

Summary

Haftar Orders Deportation

General Khalifa Haftar ordered the deportation of all irregular migrants from the eastern territories he controls, which operate separately from Tripoli’s government.
He warned Libya’s eight-million population cannot absorb “millions and even billions of people,” calling the expulsion a natural measure to protect citizens.
Libya remains a key transit route for sub-Saharan migrants even as more Libyans seek the crossing.

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UN Condemns Blockade

On June 5, 2026, demonstrators blocked the United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) office in Tripoli, prompting UN concern.
U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric condemned attacks on personnel, warned misinformation about UN work in Libya is spreading, and urged platforms to counter it.
United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) said there is no UN resettlement program and that UNHCR evacuates people to third countries or arranges voluntary returns.

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