Human Rights Solidarity Statement on the World Refugee Day 2026

Ref: PRS 2026/06/1050

June 19, 2026

Human Rights Solidarity Statement on the World Refugee Day 2026

Human Rights Solidarity (LHRS) marks World Refugee Day 2026 with deep concern over the deteriorating situation of refugees in Libya, where protection remains elusive amid political fragmentation, rising hostility, and the expansion of human trafficking networks. This year’s global theme, “Until Everyone Is Safe,” resonates strongly in Libya, where refugees continue to face detention, exploitation, and deprivation of basic services.

Across the world, more than 117 million people are forcibly displaced due to conflict, persecution, and climate‑driven disasters. The war in Sudan has created the largest displacement crisis globally, and Libya has become one of the primary destinations for Sudanese refugees fleeing violence. By March 2026, UNHCR estimated that 559,920 Sudanese refugees had entered Libya since 2023, with 91,494 registered in Tripoli alone.

Despite this massive influx, Libya still lacks a national asylum system. The country has not ratified the 1951 Refugee Convention or its 1967 Protocol, and its domestic laws criminalize irregular entry without distinguishing between refugees and migrants. As a result, refugees are routinely arrested, detained, and deported, even when they are fleeing war and persecution.

The humanitarian situation is dire. Refugees in Libya face severe deprivation of essential services. Health care is extremely limited, with only 1,493 medical consultations provided nationwide in March 2026. Refugee children remain entirely excluded from formal education, losing years of learning. Many families lack access to civil documentation, including birth registration for newborns. UNHCR’s operations face a 73% funding gap, further restricting assistance.

The situation has been worsened by an escalating public campaign targeting refugees and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). Throughout May and early June, misinformation spread across social media, accusing UNHCR of attempting to “settle refugees in Libya.” LHRS warned on 3 June 2026 that this rhetoric threatens civil peace and violates Libya’s international obligations.

On 10 June 2026, the Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity (GNU) delivered a public statement rejecting incitement against refugees and affirming that Libya has no intention of settling them. He thanked UNHCR, the EU, and Qatar for supporting voluntary returns. However, he also revealed that 27,000 migrants had entered Libya via an airport, indirectly referring to Benghazi’s Benina Airport, controlled by Haftar’s forces. His reluctance to name the airport reflects the political sensitivity surrounding trafficking networks in eastern Libya.

LHRS has documented since 2020 the systematic trafficking of refugees and migrants through Benina Airport. Haftar’s Military Investment Authority (MIA) issues “security clearances” costing around $500, enabling passengers to board flights without visas. Initially used by Syrian refugees arriving via Cham Wings Airlines, the route has expanded to include passengers from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Somalia, Sudan, and Egypt. UNHCR’s April 2026 Sea Arrivals Update confirms that Libya remains the main country of embarkation for migrants reaching Italy.

The GNU issued a decree on 10 June 2026 suspending visas on arrival, but this measure does not address the core problem. Trafficking networks do not rely on legitimate visas—they rely on illegal security clearances issued by parallel authorities. LHRS stresses that the GNU must notify all airlines that such documents are invalid and that only visas issued by Libyan embassies abroad are acceptable.

Climate change is expected to intensify displacement in the coming decades. The IPCC projects that up to 250 million people may be displaced internally by 2050 due to drought, desertification, and extreme weather. Libya must prepare for increased arrivals from the Sahel and Horn of Africa, where climate impacts are severe.

LHRS calls on the Libyan authorities to:

• Adopt national asylum legislation aligned with international standards.
• Conclude a formal MoU with UNHCR to regulate registration and protection.
• End arbitrary detention and ensure alternatives for refugees and asylum seekers.
• Protect UNHCR staff and facilities from incitement and threats.
• Investigate trafficking networks operating through Benina Airport and hold perpetrators accountable.
• Ensure humanitarian access to all detention centers.
• Provide protection for unaccompanied children and vulnerable groups.
• Strengthen cooperation with UN agencies and humanitarian partners.
• Launch public awareness campaigns to distinguish refugees from migrants.
• Prepare for climate‑driven displacement through national planning.

LHRS commends the Prime Minister’s call for respect toward refugees and urges the GNU to translate words into action. Beyond legal obligations, Libya has a moral and religious duty to protect the vulnerable. Upholding these values is essential to restoring Libya’s humanitarian role and ensuring that refugees are treated with dignity and humanity.

Human Rights Solidarity Organization

Tripoli, Libya
June 20, 2026