Libya: Migrant dead from detention centre living conditions

A 22-year-old Kurdish man was recently found dead after dying from starvation and illness in a Libyan migrant detention centre in Tripoli, The New Arab reported on 3rd November.

Hogr Aso was a 22-year-old Kurdish man originating from the Hajiawa sub-district of the Sulaimaniyah province in Iraqi Kurdistan. As claimed by Hogr’s father, he reportedly began migrating to Europe in an attempt to flee poverty and poor employment prospects in his home in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. Hogr reportedly flew from Iraq to Egypt before crossing over into Libya, a popular transit point and migration corridor for those seeking passage to Europe.

Despite having a valid visa, Hogr was intercepted by the Libyan coast guard and subsequently taken into a migrant detention facility on behalf of illegal migration charges. While in this detention facility, Hogr was reportedly exposed to poor living conditions where there was little food, heating or comfort. After just over a month in detention, Hogr passed away from reported illness and starvation.

In a statement made by Hogr’s father, “He spent 40 days in detention. For nearly one month after his arrest, he had no illnesses, both before and during this period. He became ill in the detention centre, developing breathing problems.”

Libya has seen a major increase in migrants this year, with over 100,000 additional migrants residing in Libya currently compared to last year. Despite this, Libya and Italy have struck a controversial migrant deal that some argue exposes migrants in Libya to human rights abuses. Refugees in Libya have been reported to have been exposed to extreme abuse inside these detention facilities; meanwhile, Sudanese civilians attempting to flee a humanitarian crisis have been deported back to their conflict-ravaged homes.

Hogr’s story reflects the grim reality faced by many migrants held in Libyan detention centres. Thousands fleeing poverty, war, and political unrest face unbearable conditions in Libya’s detention centres.

The New Arab, Maghrebi.org