Highlights: “Common grave” with at least 65 migrant bodies discovered in Libya. At least 65 bodies of migrants, according to the international organization for migration. (IOM) The IOM said it was “ deeply shocked and alarmed ” by the gruesome discovery. Libya is an extremely dangerous country for migrants, the majority of whom are exiles fleeing unstable African countries or marked by economic difficulties and climate change. There are numerous testimonies of violence, mistreatment, torture and even sexual assault.

In Libya, a “mass grave” was discovered in the southwest of the country with at least 65 bodies of migrants, according to the international organization for migration. (IOM).

“Common grave” with at least 65 migrant bodies discovered in Libya

In Libya, a “mass grave” was discovered in the southwest of the country with at least 65 bodies of migrants, according to the international organization for migration. (IOM).

Migrants line up in a detention center in Libya. REUTERS/Yiannis Kourtoglou

By: RFI Follow

The IOM said it was “

deeply shocked and alarmed

” by the gruesome discovery. According to the UN agency, the bodies of at least 65

migrants

were found in a “

mass grave

” in the southwest of the country.

An IOM spokesperson explained to AFP that the “mass grave” had been discovered “

by the authorities responsible for security

” in the country. “

The circumstances of their death and their nationalities remain unknown

,” indicates the IOM in a press release, which does not specify whether the remains correspond to men or women. The organization believes the migrants died “

during their clandestine crossing of the desert

”.

❗️At least 65 migrants' bodies have been found in a mass grave in Southwest Libya.

We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives and call for increased action to safeguard and protect migrants, regardless of their status.

Read more: https://t.co/Z9oCmSm2aZ pic.twitter.com/NOuYfLDmdZ

— IOM - UN Migration 🇺🇳 (@UNmigration) March 22, 2024

“Such tragedies will continue to happen”

Still according to the IOM, the Libyan authorities are “

investigating these deaths”

. She therefore calls on them to, in collaboration with United Nations partner agencies, “

guarantee a dignified recovery, identification and transfer of the remains of deceased migrants, as well as to appropriately inform and assist their families

”. Because “

each report of a missing migrant or loss of life represents a grieving family seeking answers about their loved ones or recognizing the tragedy of the loss

,” added an IOM spokesperson.

Finally, the UN agency recalls the “

urgent need

” to meet the challenge of irregular migration. “

Without regular pathways providing opportunities for legal migration, such tragedies will continue to occur along this route

,” the organization adds.

Libya is an extremely dangerous country for migrants, the majority

whom are exiles fleeing unstable African countries or marked by economic difficulties and climate change. There are numerous testimonies of violence, mistreatment, torture and even physical and sexual assault.

Also read “I want to leave”: in Libya, the cruel treatment reserved for migrants

“Common grave” with at least 65 migrant bodies discovered in Libya

“Common grave” with at least 65 migrant bodies discovered in Libya

“Such tragedies will continue to happen”

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