Complément d'Enquête. Les diamants noirs - 9 novembre 2017 (France 2)

Immigration Crisis and Human Trafficking in Libya

Overview of the Situation

• The Mediterranean coast has become a major departure point for illegal immigration, particularly from Sabrata, which is controlled by powerful militias.

• Authorities have not fully grasped the extent of the sinister trade involving migrants being bought and sold like cattle before attempting to cross the Mediterranean.

Discovery of Migrants

• Following violent clashes, Libyan forces reclaimed Sabrata, uncovering thousands of migrants held captive by militias.

• Approximately 15,000 migrants were found in warehouses; around 6,000 are still under militia control.

Human Trafficking Operations

• Traffickers profit immensely from this trade; some migrants pay up to $5,000 for passage.

• NGOs estimate that human trafficking in Libya generates between $1.5 billion and $3 billion annually.

Migrant Journeys

• Migrants embark on perilous journeys starting from various African countries (Senegal, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Mali, Nigeria), traversing through Libya's dangerous routes.

• Bani Walid serves as a hub for migrant trafficking and is characterized by lawlessness and frequent incursions by ISIS militants.

Conditions Faced by Migrants

• A local dignitary describes a refuge called "the house of peace," where kidnapped migrants are held until they can pay ransoms.

• Testimonies reveal severe torture endured by many migrants; one individual recounts being beaten regularly during captivity.

Medical Assistance and Aftermath

• Humanitarian organizations like Médecins Sans Frontières provide medical care to newly arrived migrants who face threats upon arrival.

• Survivors share their harrowing experiences; one woman expresses gratitude despite her suffering after enduring torture without ransom payment.

The Harrowing Reality of Migrant Detention

Conditions in Detention Centers

• Rachel, a former detainee, reflects on her experience during pregnancy in detention, expressing relief that she did not give birth while imprisoned. She describes the harsh conditions for over 300 women and children, including physical abuse.

• Many pregnant women and mothers faced violence against their children; infants were reportedly beaten to extort money from families. Rachel wishes to return to Nigeria but feels trapped in Bani Walid without resources.

Exploitation by Traffickers

• Detainees describe systematic torture methods used by traffickers to extract ransom from families. During these sessions, relatives hear their loved ones being tortured.

• Families often resort to desperate measures, such as taking loans or selling property, to gather ransom amounts ranging from €500 to €3,500 for the release of their loved ones.

The Cycle of Ransom Payments

• There is a prevalent fear among families about paying all at once due to potential re-arrest or transfer of detainees between prisons. This has led many parents to be cautious with payments.

• Most detainees live in constant fear; some do not dare leave shelters because kidnappers are nearby. A local man attempts to protect migrants but faces significant risks.

Attempts at Rescue

• Luz Empires shares his efforts in negotiating the release of 300 migrants held captive. He recounts a successful operation where he managed to free individuals after negotiating with captors.

• Despite having only one guard present during this rescue mission, other prisons are heavily guarded by armed men, making rescues extremely dangerous.

The Broader Context of Human Trafficking

• A Somali journalist captures footage revealing the dire conditions within clandestine prisons: lack of food and water and severe mistreatment of detainees.

• Al Hussein discusses the entrenched nature of human trafficking networks supported by local militias who claim they provide security but are often complicit in trafficking activities.

Challenges Against Traffickers

• Local militia members express frustration over their inability to combat traffickers effectively due to deep-rooted connections within Bani Walid's community.

• The presence of powerful families involved in kidnapping complicates any efforts for intervention against traffickers; actions could lead to violent reprisals against both locals and migrants.

Community Responses

• Some residents have taken it upon themselves to address the crisis; Mohamed Bari leads an initiative creating burial grounds for deceased migrants near Bani Walid.

• This cemetery serves as a grim reminder of the fate faced by many migrants who perish en route or while detained; each month sees new burials as casualties continue rising amidst ongoing violence.

Humanitarian Response to Migrant Deaths

Overview of the Situation

• The speaker mentions that between 500 and 600 bodies have been buried by their association over two years, indicating a grim reality regarding migrant deaths.

• There is an acknowledgment of varying numbers of deceased, with the speaker noting that sometimes the count can be higher or lower than expected.

• Mohamed expresses reluctance to discuss the causes of these deaths, emphasizing that their work begins only upon discovering a body.

Humanitarian Efforts

• The primary goal is to provide a decent burial for the deceased migrants as a form of humanitarian response amidst ongoing anger and frustration about the situation.

• Mohamed highlights the need for state intervention to address this crisis effectively, suggesting that current efforts are insufficient without governmental support.

Contextual Statistics

• In 2016 alone, over 5,000 migrants lost their lives while attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea, underscoring the severity of this humanitarian issue.

• The absence of accurate statistics on migrant deaths further complicates understanding and addressing this tragic phenomenon.