Tilbage Commissioner Hammarberg requests information from Italy on alleged human rights violations of Eritrean migrants in Libya

Strasbourg, 06/07/10 – Commissioner Hammarberg published today two letters addressed to the Italian Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Franco Frattini, and of Interior, Roberto Maroni, concerning the alleged ill-treatment of a group of Eritrean migrants, including asylum seekers, in detention in Libya and their possible forced return to Eritrea.

The Commissioner received reports indicating that late June, approximately 250 Eritreans were moved to a detention centre in Sebha and that the Libyan military police has used violence, leaving several migrants seriously injured. Reportedly, among these migrants are persons who had earlier tried to enter Italy and were sent back to Libya.

Given the recent decision of the Libyan authorities to discontinue UNHCR's activities in the country, it is increasingly difficult to confirm the accuracy of these allegations. The Commissioner therefore requests the Italian authorities to clarify the situation with the Libyan authorities and provide information about the results.

Read the letter to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Italy
Read the letter to the Minister of Interior of Italy