‘Journey of hell’: Migrants in Libya endure torture, rape, forced labour

Al JazeeraEN 2 min read 100% complete February 17, 2026 at 09:36 PM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

A UN report released in February 2026 details widespread abuse of migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers in Libya between January 2024 and November 2025. The report, based on interviews with nearly 100 migrants, reveals that individuals are forcibly abducted, detained, and subjected to torture, rape, forced labor, and extortion. These abuses are part of a profit-driven system where migrants are exploited for ransom or sold. Libya has become a major transit route for migrants from South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa seeking to reach Europe. The EU has supported the Libyan Coast Guard, which returns migrants intercepted at sea to detention centers, further contributing to the cycle of abuse.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

NATO 40% Mediterranean 40% Europe 50% European Union 60% Muammar Gaddafi 60% Libyan Coast Guard 70% UN ×280% Libya ×690%

Keywords

migrants 100% libya 90% human rights abuses 80% rape 70% torture 70% forced labour 70% detention centers 60% human trafficking 60% refugees 50% asylum seekers 50%