UN mission in Libya denies implementing any migrant resettlement programmes
The United Nations Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has denied that its UNHCR is seeking to settle migrants in the country, noting that the rumors are completely untrue.
This came in a statement by the mission after Libyan protesters refusing to settle migrants stormed its headquarters in the west of the capital Tripoli on Friday, and closed the headquarters of the UNHCR with earthen berms.
In its statement, the mission said it "affirms the right of Libyans to obtain correct information and to express their opinions peacefully, in accordance with Libyan and international laws."
It expressed "concern over the spread of misinformation, misinformation and hate speech about the UN's work in Libya, which has contributed to increased tensions and incitement against national and international UN staff."
UN Mission: Evacuation to Third Countries
In its statement, the mission said it "reiterates that none of its agencies, including UNHCR, are implementing any programs to resettle migrants in Libya, and all allegations to the contrary are completely unfounded."
"In cooperation with the Libyan authorities and the international community, in full respect for Libya's sovereignty, UNHCR is working to find solutions outside Libya for people fleeing war, conflict and persecution, including evacuation to third countries and voluntary return to their countries when circumstances allow," the mission statement said.
The mission condemned "any incitement to violence or threats against United Nations personnel, as well as acts of sabotage or attacks on its personnel, headquarters and property."
The mission called on "all parties to respect the inviolability of United Nations headquarters, personnel, property and assets in accordance with international law."
Activists call for UNHCR to be closed
For days, Libyan activists have been circulating reports on social media that "UN agencies" intend to settle irregular migrants inside their country, allegations that have not been confirmed by any official body.
Popular calls for the expulsion of irregular migrants from Libya and the closure of the headquarters of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Tripoli have also circulated on the same social media.
On Monday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Government of National Unity affirmed its adherence to national constants in confronting the phenomenon and its position rejecting resettlement, stressing "the need to investigate the accuracy of what some pages publish on social media, and not to be dragged into any incitement calls or rumors."
3 million irregular migrants inside Libya
Saddam Haftar, the deputy commander of the forces of eastern Libya, issued his instructions to the security services in the east and south to end the illegal presence of irregular migrants on Libyan territory.
On April 2, 2025, the Internal Security Agency of the Government of National Unity announced the closure of the headquarters of 10 international humanitarian organizations and the suspension of their activities, on the grounds that they were "involved in anti-Libyan projects, including the settlement of irregular migrants, taking advantage of the instability in the country."
On December 2, 2025, the Minister of Interior in the Government of National Unity, Imad Trabelsi, estimated that there were about 3 million irregular migrants inside the country, who came to the country for the purpose of migrating across the Mediterranean Sea to Europe.
The irregular migration trade is active in northwestern Libya bordering the Mediterranean Sea, particularly in the cities of Qara Bulli, Sabratha and Zuwara, by groups that exploit the country's political division and security chaos.