Millions fleeing Sudan’s brutal war now face a treacherous ordeal in Libya, where they encounter torture and detention.
Refugees, primarily unaccompanied minors, recount harrowing experiences of airstrikes and starvation in Sudan, pushing them towards a dangerous escape.
Upon reaching Libya, many are forced into unpaid labor and face the constant threat of violence from rival armed groups.
Over 210,000 Sudanese refugees, representing 73% of Libya’s refugee population, are trapped in a cycle of abuse.
They are forced into a “snakes and ladders” system of detention, paying bribes to militias and coast guards for a chance to reach Europe.
Women endure extreme violence, including rape and murder.
The journey is marked by exploitation, with smugglers and militias profiting from their desperation.
The European Union’s financial support to Libyan authorities, exceeding 465 million euros since 2015, has come under scrutiny.
Critics argue that this funding contributes to human rights abuses within Libyan detention centers.
Reports indicate that migrants face crimes against humanity in facilities receiving EU backing.
While the EU asserts that funds are directed through implementing partners and not directly to Libyan authorities, the situation remains dire.
Refugees, like those rescued by NGO ships, risk their lives at sea, seeing it as a preferable alternative to the horrors they face on land.
