The United Nations has condemned the storming of a humanitarian service centre in Libya’s capital, Tripoli, where migrants were receiving assistance.
The UN described the incident as involving “deeply aggressive acts” after individuals reportedly forced their way into the facility, damaged furniture and drove occupants from the premises.
Videos circulated on social media on Monday appeared to show people breaking into the premises of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Tripoli.
In a statement issued later on Monday, the UN said it strongly condemned the repeated incidents at the service centre managed by one of its agencies.
Libyan authorities have not publicly commented on the incident, although the UN said it acknowledged that authorities had taken steps to respond and investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack.
The UN stressed that such incidents should not be repeated and called for the protection of humanitarian workers and people accessing essential services.
Tensions surrounding migrants and the activities of international organisations have increased in Libya in recent months. Protesters have staged demonstrations outside UN agencies, including the IOM and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), with some demanding that the organisations close their offices and leave the country.
The UN urged the public to rely on credible and verified information when discussing migration-related issues.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to working with Libyan authorities and local communities to address humanitarian concerns.
Libya has faced prolonged political instability since the fall of former leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, with rival administrations competing for influence.
The country has also become a major transit point for migrants seeking to cross the Mediterranean to Europe, while criminal networks and human traffickers have exploited the political and security situation to operate smuggling routes.
