UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, said it was dismayed at reports of smugglers and traffickers posing as UNHCR staff in Libya. “Reliable reports by our sources and refugees suggest that traffickers and smugglers are impersonating UN staff, including UNHCR, at different locations in Libya.” UNHCR added. UNHCR indicated that the information comes from refugees who report having been sold to traffickers in Libya, and subjected to abuse and torture, including after having been intercepted at sea. “In Libya, UNHCR and its partners are present at official disembarkation points to provide lifesaving humanitarian and medical assistance to refugees and migrants, including food, water, and clothes.” It explained. UNHCR said it is further calling for strong institutional action in Libya to hold smugglers and traffickers accountable.

Source: Libya Observer September 08, 2018 16:30 UTC