The Bixelogy Foundation for Peace, Development, and Human Rights issued an in-depth study titled “The Phenomenon of Human Trafficking in the African Continent… Amidst the Spread of Conflicts and the Absence of Law”, in which it addressed Libya, Ethiopia, and Sudan as case studies to highlight the challenges of this dangerous phenomenon.
Roots of the Phenomenon: Chaos, Conflicts, and Absence of Law
The study reveals several factors contributing to the spread of human trafficking in Libya, most notably the chaos and armed conflicts plaguing the country, which led to the deterioration of government institutions and created a favorable environment for armed groups and outlaws. These groups, including human trafficking gangs, exploit the unstable situation to engage in illegal activities, such as kidnapping adults and children and exploiting them in the most heinous ways.
The study indicates that political turmoil, violence, and instability, in addition to the lack of government oversight, have turned Libya into a haven for criminal groups that operate without fear of accountability. The absence of law enforcement and the vast, uncontrollable borders have also contributed to exacerbating the crisis.
The study adds that the significant increase of poverty and unemployment that the country suffers, and the dire living conditions, drive many to engage in illegal activities, including human trafficking, as a means of obtaining income and achieving high profits.
Conditions of the Phenomenon
The study pointed out the conditions of the phenomenon of human trafficking in Libya, which is not new, as it has recurred periodically over recent years. Since the fall of Gaddafi’s regime in 2011, Libya has become a destination for thousands of desperate migrants from sub-Saharan African countries, who wish to reach European shores, fleeing poverty and conflict, making them prey for smugglers and human traffickers.
According to the Global Organized Crime Index, Libya is ranked as one of the highest countries in the world in human trafficking, with a score of 8.5 out of 10, ranked 192nd out of 193 countries, and is the last among African countries in terms of resilience.
An international organization reported that indicators of exploitation and abuse are suffered by 76% of men, 67% of women, and 77% of children and youth who cross Libya, and migrants living in Libya are exploited by governmental and non-governmental actors, including private employers who refuse to pay workers’ wages.
In January 2024, reports estimated that between 4,000 and 10,000 migrants and refugees, many of whom are unknown trafficking victims, were detained in 11 detention centers belonging to the Illegal Immigration Control Agency in Libya, and an unknown number in unofficial detention centers controlled by armed groups, and were subjected to a wide range of violations.
Due to the lack of necessary institutions to confront this phenomenon, combating human trafficking and organized crime networks remains ineffective. While migrants in Libya are at high risk of becoming victims of sex trafficking or forced labor, the true number of victims remains unknown.
Government Role
Regarding the role of the Government of National Unity in combating human trafficking, the study said that the lack of institutional capacity, as well as the lack of law enforcement, customs, and Libyan military personnel, especially along the country’s borders, has hindered the authorities’ efforts to combat human trafficking crimes. Although Libyan law criminalizes some forms of sex trafficking, it does not criminalize labor trafficking.
It added that although Libya is a party to the 2000 UN Protocol on Human Trafficking, the government does not have the institutions and resources necessary to prevent the crime of human trafficking.
It explained that the Government of National Unity did not have a national coordination body responsible for combating human trafficking, and did not carry out any public awareness, nor did it take measures to reduce the sex trade. GNU did not report taking steps to prevent recruiting children in militias or armed groups affiliated with or allied with the government.
The study continues: GNU did not have the political will to proactively identify and protect trafficking victims among vulnerable groups, such as migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. Moreover, the Libyan justice system does not operate at full capacity, and also there are no administrative units or courts dedicated to human trafficking cases.
Recommendations
The study concluded by presenting several recommendations from the Bixelogy Foundation for Peace, Development, and Human Rights, to reduce this phenomenon, by focusing on prevention rather than punishment.
It also called on the governments of the African countries under study, specifically, to provide statistics on cases of human trafficking victims, and to establish strict laws to criminalize this violation and contravene international humanitarian law.
It also called for issuing a guide of good practices and the necessary standardized procedures for government employees to proactively identify potential victims, specifically vulnerable groups.
Bixelogy recommended seriously considering establishing an independent sovereign body within each country, entrusted with the file of combating human trafficking, in addition to providing logistical support, expertise, training, and the necessary qualifications for the personnel involved in this file.
The study stressed the need to focus on providing temporary shelter for victims of human trafficking and providing their urgent needs, such as identification, food, clothing, emergency medical assistance, psychological support, restoring contact with their families, and facilitating access to justice.
