IOM Deeply Alarmed by Mass Graves Found in Libya, Urges Action

Tripoli, 10 February 2025 – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has expressed shock and concern at the discovery of two mass graves in Libya containing the bodies of dozens of migrants, some with gunshot wounds.

Nineteen bodies were discovered in Jakharrah (around 400 km south of Benghazi), while at least 30 more were found in a mass grave in the Alkufra desert in the southeast. It is believed the second grave may contain as many as 70 bodies.

The circumstance of their death and nationalities remains unknown. Their graves were both discovered following a police raid, during which hundreds of migrants were rescued from traffickers. Security forces continue operations to capture those responsible.

“The loss of these lives is yet another tragic reminder of the dangers faced by migrants embarking on perilous journeys,” said Nicoletta Giordano, IOM Libya Chief of Mission. “Far too many migrants along these journeys endure severe exploitation, violence and abuse, underscoring the need to prioritize human rights and protect those at risk.”

IOM acknowledges the efforts of the Libyan authorities in investigating these deaths and urges them, along with UN partner agencies, to ensure a dignified recovery, identification, and transfer of the remains of the deceased migrants, while notifying and assisting their families.

Last March the bodies of 65 migrants were found in a mass grave in the southwest of the country.

According to IOM’s Missing Migrants Project, out of the 965 recorded deaths and disappearances in Libya in 2024, more than 22 per cent occurred on land routes. This highlights the often-overlooked risks migrants face on land routes, where fatalities frequently go underreported. Strengthening data collection, search and rescue efforts, and migrant protection mechanisms along these routes is crucial to preventing further loss of life.

IOM in Libya continues to provide humanitarian assistance to vulnerable migrants and works to strengthen the capacity of relevant authorities to conduct life-saving search and rescue operations in the desert and at sea. This includes training in human rights obligations and ensuring that border management is in accordance with international law, with a protection-focused approach to assist those most at risk.

IOM urges all governments and authorities along the route to strengthen regional collaboration to safeguard and protect migrants, irrespective of their status, throughout all stages of their journeys.

For more information, please contact:

In Libya: Giacomo Terenzi, gterenzi@iom.int

In Cairo: Joe Lowry, jlowry@iom.int

In Geneva: Kennedy Okoth kokoth@iom.int