UN calls for "independent and impartial" inquiry into migrant deaths in Libyan detention centre


An "independent and impartial" inquiry into the deaths of four migrants from Sub-Saharan Africa, in a Libyan detention centre has been urged by the United Nations.

UN Humanitarian Coordinator in the North African country, Ali Al-Za'tari, called for a full investigation into the deaths, which took place in the aftermath of an apparent escape attempt.

The men were being held in the Al-Nasr prison, in al-Zawiya, west of the capital Tripoli.

All four were shot, and twenty more were injured. A guard was also wounded during the incident.

According to information supplied to the UN Mission in Libya, UNSMIL, the facility is designed to hold so-called illegal immigrants, who suffer inhumane and severely overcrowded conditions.

There is no access to medical care and food supplies are scarce, said UNSMIL.

Mr Al-Za'tari said that this incident "yet again highlights to deplorable conditions endured by migrants" in Libya.


SOURCE: UN Radio