Human Rights Solidarity (LHRS) has formally submitted an urgent communication to the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), calling for an investigation into the recent atrocities uncovered in Ajdabiya and Kufra. The mass killing of 21 migrants and the discovery of more than 200 others in an underground detention site are part of a wider, systematic pattern of grave violations against migrants in Libya. LHRS reaffirmed its readiness to cooperate fully with the ICC to ensure accountability and protection for survivors.

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Ref: PRS 2026/01/1006

January 2, 2026

Human Rights Solidarity (LHRS) Submits Urgent Communication to the ICC on Recent Atrocities Against Migrants in Ajdabiya and al-Kufra

Tripoli, Libya — Human Rights Solidarity (LHRS) announced today, Monday January 26, 2026, that it has formally submitted an urgent advocacy letter to the Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) of the International Criminal Court (ICC), calling for an investigation into two major atrocities recently uncovered in eastern and southeastern Libya.

The submission highlights the mass killing of 21 migrants found in a mass grave south of Ajdabiya, as well as the discovery of more than 200 migrants in an underground detention site in Kufra on 18 January 2026. Survivors from both incidents include women and children who were subjected to inhumane treatment, prolonged captivity, and severe violence at the hands of human traffickers and organized criminal networks.

LHRS emphasized that these incidents are not isolated, but part of a widespread and systematic pattern of grave violations against migrants documented across Libya since 2017, including mass graves, killings, torture, trafficking, and unlawful detention.

The organization urged the ICC Prosecutor to:

• Open an investigation into the Ajdabiya and Kufra atrocities as potential crimes under the Rome Statute.
• Examine the broader pattern of violence and exploitation targeting migrants across Libya.
• Engage with Libyan civil society to obtain documentation and testimonies.
• Ensure protection measures for survivors and witnesses at risk of retaliation.

LHRS reaffirmed its readiness to cooperate fully with the ICC, noting that it has maintained continuous engagement with the Office of the Prosecutor since 2011.

The organization stressed that the absence of credible national investigations underscores the urgent need for international action to protect migrants and ensure accountability.

Human Rights Solidarity Organisation

Tripoli, Libya

26 January 2026