Attorneys: Some Migrants Threatened With Deportation to Libya Amid Legal Push to Halt Expulsions
A group of migrants facing imminent deportation have reportedly been told they may be sent to Libya—a country widely criticized for human rights abuses against migrants—according to legal representatives fighting to block the removals.
Lawyers representing the migrants say the deportation orders are not only inhumane but also violate international human rights obligations. The legal team has filed an emergency motion in court seeking to halt the deportations, arguing that returning individuals to Libya could expose them to torture, trafficking, or indefinite detention in brutal conditions.
“Sending migrants to Libya would be an unconscionable act,” said one of the attorneys involved in the case. “There is well-documented evidence that Libya is not a safe country for migrants, and deporting anyone there amounts to a death sentence in some cases.”
The migrants in question are said to be from various African countries and are currently being held in detention while their legal status is reviewed. Some have pending asylum claims, while others are awaiting appeal decisions on their deportation orders.
The legal teams argue that authorities have failed to consider the severe risks awaiting the migrants in Libya, where reports from the United Nations and multiple human rights organizations have highlighted systemic abuse, including forced labor, rape, and arbitrary detention in overcrowded camps.
This revelation has sparked outrage among human rights advocates, who are demanding that all deportations to Libya be suspended immediately. “No government should deport vulnerable individuals to countries known for widespread human rights violations,” said an Amnesty International spokesperson.
Although official statements from immigration authorities have not confirmed Libya as a designated destination for deportation, leaked documents and migrant testimonies shared by attorneys indicate that the option has been discussed or threatened.
The deportation attempt comes amid increasing pressure on European and other Western governments to curb irregular migration, with policies growing stricter and more controversial. In several nations, officials have explored third-country deportation agreements to deter new arrivals—often partnering with countries that have questionable human rights records.
The legal filing cites international conventions, including the 1951 Refugee Convention and the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits states from returning asylum seekers to countries where they face serious threats to their life or freedom.
“Libya is not, by any definition, a safe third country,” said one attorney. “The deportation plan directly contravenes both international law and basic human decency.”
As the case proceeds in court, human rights groups are calling on governments to reevaluate their deportation frameworks and to prioritize humane, lawful treatment for migrants and asylum seekers.
The outcome of this legal challenge could set a crucial precedent for future deportation policies involving unstable or high-risk destinations like Libya.
Source : Swifteradio.com
