Speak Free: EU must step up to end slavery in Libya

The world was shocked when news of slave markets in Libya broke two years ago, but since then cases of modern slavery in Libya have evolved considerably. And they are all linked back to migrant detention centers and the money and power fueling their existence.

The European Union has a critical role to play in ending human trafficking and forced labor tied to Libya’s migrant detention centers. It must stop supporting the Libyan Coastguard to intercept boats in the Mediterranean Sea and returning innocent migrants and asylum seekers to these horrendous facilities. We’re backing the growing global call for all migrant detention centers to be shut in Libya and for refugees to be resettled in safe third countries.

Here’s a look at what you and experts on the issue have had to say:

Human trafficking. Forced labor. Disappearances. Libya’s migrant detention centers are rife with abuses. Join @freedomunitedhq in taking a stand against modern slavery in Libya. https://t.co/ATl5bUfKfw

— Irene Richards (@DudleyirH) September 16, 2019

New @HRW research details infernal detention conditions for migrants and asylum-seekers in Libya. Continue EU cooperation perpetuates this cycle of extreme abuse. Follow our researchers @sunderland_jude & @HananMSalah. https://t.co/WcmaLwAx8n pic.twitter.com/ho8smcD8OY

— Kartik Raj (@Kartik__Raj) January 21, 2019

“Not only do migrants continue to die at sea, but in some cases they are intercepted and brought to countries – like Libya – where they are often subjected to torture, rape, slavery, exploitation or indefinite and unlawful detention.” https://t.co/rqCqG5rn1Y

— Eva Cossé (@Eva_Cosse) June 18, 2019

Libya is a brutal country for migrants, where they are vulnerable to rape, slavery, other crimes. Thousands are held in detention centers. Now, it looks like one of those centers in Tripoli has been hit by an air strike. At least 40 dead, 80 wounded. https://t.co/UI2eA6oSI0

— Chico Harlan (@chicoharlan) July 3, 2019

BTW, arbitrary detention, torture, rape and exploitation won’t stop just by “encouraging UNHCR/IOM to support disembarkation modalities in full respect of human rights”. EU states should demand Libya to release people unlawfully detained & to close all detention centres. 11/

— Matteo de Bellis (@matteodebellis) September 24, 2019

Why is the EU taking a lead on this and not UNHCR or a Latin American country? Surrely not an attempt to deflect attention from the EU’s (and Mogherini’s) indefensible role in returning refugees to detention, torture and slavery in Libya? https://t.co/LSzDd7Nv5r

— Jeff Crisp (@JFCrisp) September 24, 2019

They are not leaving Libya because they think Europe is the promise land.

They are starving.

They are being sold into slavery.

They are being bombed in airstrikes.

They are trying to survive and the Mediterranean Sea is their only exit.

This isn’t a choice, it’s survival.

— Red T Raccoon (@RedTRaccoon) July 27, 2019