Bodies of migrants in Libya mass graves had gunshot wounds, UN says

The United Nations stated that gunshot wounds were found on the remains of some migrants and refugees in recently discovered mass graves in Libya. This discovery has sparked widespread concern in the international community, highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis faced by migrants within Libya. The situation underscores the urgent need for increased protection and support for vulnerable populations in the region.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) expressed its "shock and concern" on Monday regarding the discovery of two mass graves in the North African country of Libya. The organization stated that the mass graves were discovered by authorities following a police raid that rescued hundreds of people held by human traffickers. According to the IOM, 19 bodies were found in Jakharrah, approximately 400 kilometers (250 miles) south of Benghazi, and at least 30 bodies were found in a mass grave in the southeastern desert region of Kufra, which may contain as many as 70 bodies.

While gunshot wounds were found on some of the bodies, confirming previous reports from Al-Abreen, a charity that helps refugees in the country, the UN agency stated that the exact circumstances of the deaths are not yet clear. "Too many migrants suffer serious exploitation, violence and abuse during these journeys, highlighting the need to prioritize human rights and protection for those at risk," said IOM Libya Chief of Mission, Nicoletta Giordano, in a statement. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of death and identify the victims.

Human rights organizations and UN agencies have been documenting systematic abuses against migrants within Libya for years. On Monday, the IOM urged Libyan authorities to ensure the "dignified recovery, identification and transfer of the remains of deceased migrants, while informing and assisting their families." The agency stated that of the 965 deaths and disappearances of migrants and refugees recorded in Libya last year, more than 22% occurred on land routes. "This highlights the often-overlooked risks faced by migrants on land routes, where fatalities are often underestimated," the IOM said.

Libya has experienced over a decade of instability since the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that overthrew and killed Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, plunging the country into chaos. The political turmoil has led to rival governments and competing armed groups, which have been accused of committing abuses against migrants. "Migrants and asylum seekers, including children, are arbitrarily detained in facilities controlled by armed groups affiliated with both governments or by smugglers and traffickers, where they suffer inhumane treatment, torture, forced labor and sexual violence," Human Rights Watch stated in a recent report on Libya. The international community continues to call for accountability and an end to these abuses.