TRIPOLI, Feb 12 (NNN-LANA) – The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), said that, 135 refugees of different nationalities were evacuated from Libya to Italy yesterday, through a humanitarian flight.
“Today (yesterday), 135 refugees departed Libya on a humanitarian flight to Italy, facilitated by the Governments of Libya and Italy, UNHCR Libya, and partners,” UNHCR said in a statement.
“This life-changing flight provides vulnerable refugees with a safe and legal pathway to rebuild their lives,” the statement said, without providing further details.
The statement also called for expanded resettlement programmes, to ensure safety and stability for those in need.
Separately, 24 refugee women and children have been released from an immigration detention centre on Monday. UNHCR said, they have received immediate protection services and assistance. The agency added that, it would continue to work closely with the Libyan authorities for the release of detained refugees in Libya.
Libya has been plagued by insecurity and chaos since the 2011 fall of Muammar Gaddafi, leading many migrants, primarily from sub-Saharan Africa, to attempt perilous sea crossings to Europe.
The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) reported that 3,188 migrants have been intercepted at sea and returned to Libya, since the beginning of 2025. The IOM also documented 62 migrant deaths during this period on the Central Mediterranean route.
Libyan Interior Minister, Emad Al-Tarabelsi, said on Sunday that, Libya refuses to serve as a destination for resettling migrants, and warned of possible forced deportations.
In a statement published on the ministry’s Facebook page, Al-Tarabelsi said, Libya hosts more than three million illegal migrants, making it “a country affected the most by illegal migration.”
He warned that Libya may resort to forced deportations, if the international community fails to support voluntary return programmes.– NNN-LANA