Violent Protest Outside UN Offices in Tripoli Highlights Misinformation Over Migrant Resettlement

On 4 June 2024, hundreds of Libyan demonstrators gathered outside the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) headquarters in Tripoli. Protesters blocked the entrance, erected tents, and demanded the closure of the UNHCR office, alleging a plan to settle irregular migrants in Libya.

Libya: Hundreds gather in Tripoli for anti-migrant protestHundreds in Libya protest against migrants, refugeesThe UN denies a resettlement plan in Libya

Since the NATO-backed uprising in 2011, Libya has become a principal transit and departure point for migrants from sub-Saharan Africa seeking passage to Europe. The country’s oil-dependent economy attracts workers for low-skill jobs, while ongoing political fragmentation has intensified public resentment toward newcomers.

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The UN response is voiced by spokesperson Stephane Dujarric and UNSMIL officials. General Khalifa Haftar, commander of the eastern-aligned forces, has announced the deportation of all irregular migrants from territories under his control. The International Organization for Migration estimates roughly 900,000 migrants and refugees reside in Libya, a nation of about 8 million people.

Hundreds in Libya protest against migrants, refugees

UNSMIL issued a statement refuting any resettlement programme in Libya, emphasizing that UNHCR “works with Libyan authorities and the international community … to identify solutions outside Libya, including evacuation to third countries and voluntary return.” The mission condemned the violence, called for respect of UN premises under international law, and warned that misinformation, disinformation and hate speech have heightened tensions. It also urged social-media platforms to cooperate in curbing false narratives.

The UN denies a resettlement plan in LibyaLibya: Hundreds gather in Tripoli for anti-migrant protestThe Straits Times

Demonstrators chanted “Libya belongs to Libyans,” displayed signs reading “Our love for our country is not racism” and “Libya is not the world’s garbage bin,” and called for the UNHCR office to shut down. They claim the UN is facilitating permanent settlement of migrants, a narrative the UN denies.

Hundreds in Libya protest against migrants, refugeesLibya: Hundreds gather in Tripoli for anti-migrant protestThe UN denies a resettlement plan in Libya

Protesters assert the existence of a UN-backed resettlement plan, while UN officials label such allegations “categorically false.” No independent verification of a resettlement scheme has been presented, leaving a gap between public perception and documented UN policy.

The UN denies a resettlement plan in Libya

• “We are deeply concerned by the violent protests that took place yesterday outside the UNHCR and UNSMIL headquarters in Tripoli,” — Stephane Dujarric, UN spokesperson

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• “Allegations claiming the contrary are categorically false,” — UNSMIL statement

The UN denies a resettlement plan in Libya

• “all Libyans have the right to access accurate information and peacefully express their views,” — UNSMIL statement

The UN denies a resettlement plan in Libya

• “we are not a large country. We are accepting millions and even billions of people, while the Libyan population is only eight million.” — General Khalifa Haftar

The UN denies a resettlement plan in Libya

• “Libya is not a place for people to come to exploit, harm or affect its citizens.” — General Khalifa Haftar

The UN denies a resettlement plan in Libya

• “there is no justification for violence and intimidation, which are not in line with Libyan culture and tradition.” — UNSMIL statement

The UN denies a resettlement plan in Libya

UNSMIL’s call for cooperation with social-media platforms to curb disinformation coincides with Haftar’s announced deportations, suggesting a potential escalation of security measures against migrants. Continued protests could pressure Libyan authorities to adopt stricter migration policies, while the UN seeks to maintain its humanitarian mandate amid heightened public scrutiny.

The UN denies a resettlement plan in Libya