Libya in Turmoil

What’s happening in Libya?

Libya is one of the most dangerous regions for refugees and migrants in Africa, as it continues to serve as a primary departure point for those attempting to reach Europe in search of safety and better opportunities. Over the past year, more than 100,000 refugees and migrants have entered Libya, fleeing escalating violence, persecution, and conflict from countries such as Sudan, Chad, and sub-Saharan Africa. The situation in Libya has only deteriorated, with increasing numbers of individuals, including children, caught in a web of displacement, abuse, and exploitation. As of 2024, there are over 250,000 refugees and asylum seekers in the country, with 143,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs), many of whom are living in precarious conditions.

The deadly journey across the Mediterranean continues to claim the lives of many, with thousands perishing each year attempting to reach Europe. The Mediterranean remains the deadliest sea crossing in the world for refugees and migrants, with over 1,200 deaths recorded in the first half of 2024 alone. Those who are rescued or intercepted by authorities are often sent back to Libya, where they face further abuse in overcrowded detention centers. UNHCR is in urgent need of support to respond to the ongoing crisis, providing life-saving assistance to refugees, IDPs, and migrants while working to secure safer pathways to protection and resettlement.

It is anticipated that the situation for refugees and asylum-seekers will remain challenging as they continue to be regarded as illegal migrants by Libyan authorities. Since the outbreak of the Sudan conflict in April 2023, the considerable arrival of Sudanese refugees is expected to increase further with up to 149,000 Sudanese refugees in Libya by the end of 2024.

Are there any routes to safety?

For those attempting the perilous journey to Europe, there are few, if any, safe routes. The dangers are overwhelming. Refugees and migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean face the risk of drowning, trafficking, and being turned back at sea. More than 1,200 people have died or gone missing trying to cross the Mediterranean in 2024 alone. Even those who manage to land in Europe often face deportation back to Libya, where they may be subjected to indefinite detention, exploitation, and severe abuse. Many of these people are sent to detention centers where they endure overcrowding, starvation, physical abuse, and in some cases, forced labor or sexual violence. 

The route from Libya to Europe has become increasingly hazardous, and those who survive the journey often arrive in Europe with physical and psychological scars. For the most vulnerable, including children and survivors of sexual violence, life in Libya can be a never-ending cycle of fear and uncertainty. UNHCR, along with other humanitarian organizations, continues to work to provide assistance to those in need and advocate for safer alternatives. But the situation is dire, and the risks are ever-present. As of 2024, there are more than 900,000 migrants and refugees in Libya, many of whom are trapped, unable to move forward or return to safety.