US concerned about detention of sub-Saharan Africans in Libya

The government of the United States says it is deeply concerned about reports of arbitrary detention and abuse of sub-Saharan African migrants and refugees in Libya.

Civil conflict erupted in Libya in February 2011 following a rebellion started by opponents of the country’s leader Muammar Gaddafi to remove him from office.

In a press release issued by the US Embassy in Accra and copied to ghanabusinessnews.com Tuesday September 13, 2011 it says, ” We understand that some Libyans are also being victimized based on the color of their skin.  Nobody should be detained or harassed due to the color of their skin or their nationality, and measures must be taken to protect individuals from acts of violence.”

It also says the US has welcomed the Transitional National Council’s (TNC) assurances of their commitment to safeguard the well-being of individuals throughout Libya and the TNC leadership’s cooperation with those international agencies engaged in identifying and assisting those at risk and/or detained, including the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and the International Organization for Migration.

“We look forward to prompt implementation of these measures,” it adds.

The US, meanwhile says it is working with its international partners to assist all foreign nationals in Libya who wish to leave the country to have safe passage.

By Emmanuel K. Dogbevi