HRW condemns inhumane detention of aid convoy near Sirte

Human Rights Watch has strongly condemned the detention of humanitarian volunteers from the Sumoud Aid Convoy near the city of Sirte, calling the actions of forces loyal to General Khalifa Haftar “inhumane and arbitrary.”

In remarks given to a media outlet, Hanan Salah, Regional Advocacy Director at Human Rights Watch, raised serious concerns over the reported denial of basic humanitarian needs, including access to food, shelter, and communication with the outside world. Salah also questioned the rationale behind preventing the convoy from crossing into eastern Libya.

“Why are members of the Sumoud Convoy being detained on the outskirts of Sirte? Why are they being denied access to food, adequate shelter, and the ability to communicate externally? And why are they not being allowed to cross into eastern Libya?” Salah asked. “This treatment is inhumane and abusive.”

The convoy was reportedly delivering humanitarian assistance to communities affected by conflict and displacement across Libya. The incident has sparked renewed concerns about the obstruction of humanitarian work in territories controlled by Haftar forces.

Human Rights Watch and other international organisations have consistently called for unimpeded access for humanitarian workers, emphasising that all parties to the conflict are obligated under international law to allow aid to reach civilians in need.