Activists shut down UNHCR office in Tripoli for a second time

Activists have shut down the office of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in the Al-Sarraj area of the Libyan capital, Tripoli, in protest against its reopening after it was closed last June.

The Tripoli Activists Against Settlement movement documented the closure on its Facebook page, showing the office being welded shut and UNHCR employees who attempted to enter the premises being expelled.

Videos posted on the movement’s page also showed protesters blocking the office with earth barriers during a demonstration against its reopening.

In a statement, the protesters demanded that UNHCR and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) leave Libya, objecting to what they described as “activities that violate Libyan law and the will of the people.”

The statement said: “Tripoli activists strongly condemn and denounce the attempt by UNHCR to resume operations from its former office, which the Libyan people had previously decided to close.” They also called for the cancellation of any agreements or understandings that have allowed UNHCR to operate in Libya.

Last June, protesters shut down the UNHCR office in Al-Sarraj during a demonstration prompted by concerns over alleged attempts to pave the way for the permanent settlement of migrants in Libya. Those concerns were fueled by widely circulated images of refugee cards issued by UNHCR.

UNHCR’s contacts with some pharmacy and shop owners in the area regarding arrangements to provide medicines and services to certain refugee cardholders also sparked anger from the Al-Sarraj Social Council. 

The council urged pharmacies and businesses not to participate in any arrangements or programs that could encourage unlawful residency or add to the burdens and problems already facing the area, pending official clarification from the relevant authorities.

Allegations that housing was being established for migrants also sparked widespread controversy. A denial issued by the Ministry of Labor of the Government of National Unity did little to quell the debate. The ministry said its mandate is limited to regulating and monitoring legally employed foreign workers, while the relevant security authorities are responsible for matters related to illegal migration.