UN mission denies refugee resettlement plans in Libya

The United Nations Support Mission in Libya has denied claims that the UN refugee agency is implementing programmes to settle migrants in Libya, describing such allegations as entirely false.

In a statement, UNSMIL said the UN High Commissioner for Refugees was not carrying out any migrant resettlement or naturalisation programmes inside the country.

The mission said it was working with the Libyan authorities, in full respect of Libya’s sovereignty, to find solutions for migrants outside Libya, including evacuation to third countries and voluntary return programmes.

UNSMIL expressed concern over what it described as misinformation surrounding the issue, and strongly condemned any incitement to violence or acts of vandalism targeting UN personnel or premises.

The mission also reaffirmed the right of Libyans to peaceful protest, while saying it appreciated the efforts of the authorities in Tripoli to ensure the safety of demonstrators and United Nations facilities.