A report published by the Italian website “Decode39” examined how the security of the Mediterranean basin and the entire African continent is affected by the dynamics at the Libyan-Sudanese border, which is marked by what it described as “corridors and unofficial logistical networks that perpetuate the war in both countries.”
The report stated that “unofficial logistical networks and illegal routes between Libya and Sudan perpetuate the war and foster migratory flows and smuggling activities, revealing the geosecurity dimension of these routes,” which it described as “hybrid networks that operate at full capacity and are capable of adapting to flows that states cannot control.” The report indicated that events on the ground between Libya and Sudan reveal a fully operational parallel system of illicit corridors that is transforming the geosecurity landscape across the region.
These networks have the potential to influence the course of the Sudanese civil war through the illicit flow of fuel, weapons, and supplies across the border, often with the support of external actors.
The report emphasized that control of these corridors provides a strategic advantage, as control of airstrips, desert roads, and logistical hubs in southern Libya translates into significant power over armed and foreign actors, as well as over the trajectory of the conflict itself.
Converted civilian flights and clandestine cargo transfers also play a key role in supporting these logistical corridors, creating a deeply rooted resilient war economy in cross-border supply chains.
The report further noted that Libya serves as a major hub for arms trafficking and irregular migratory flows, pointing to the existence of migrant smuggling networks that extend from Libya to Bangladesh and Italy, where migrants are integrated into transnational networks that push them towards Europe. The report indicated that the environment in Libya allows for the continuation and survival of illegal corridors and networks, thanks to political fragmentation, the proliferation of armed intermediaries, and hybrid economies that combine legitimate and illegitimate activities, with armed formations in southern Libya operating under the logic of “border crossing guardians.”
Ongoing violations in Libyan detention centers
The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) expressed its deep concern over the ongoing serious and systematic violations of human rights in Libya, particularly in detention centers. This concern was expressed in an oral statement made during the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council, within the framework of the debate on the outcomes of the Universal Periodic Review.
The ICJ welcomed that Libyan authorities accepted a set of recommendations aimed at ending arbitrary detention and preventing forced detentions, as well as improving detention conditions. It emphasized the need to intensify efforts to combat impunity for crimes related to detention and called for cooperation with the International Criminal Court, including the extradition of individuals wanted in connection with these cases.
Regarding women’s rights, the Committee praised Libya’s acceptance of several recommendations aimed at protecting women and girls from discrimination and violence. However, it expressed deep concern over the continued absence of legislation that criminalizes domestic violence and marital rape. It also criticized discriminatory legal provisions, such as reduced sentences for so-called honor crimes or exemption from punishment for rapists who marry their victims, as well as the criminalization of abortion.
The Committee urged authorities to review these laws and adopt comprehensive legislation to protect women from violence.
On migration issues, the Committee expressed concern over Libya’s rejection of several recommendations related to the protection of the rights of migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, particularly those related to ending arbitrary detention and collective expulsion, establishing an asylum system in accordance with international standards, and decriminalizing irregular migration. It urged urgent measures to stop violations and ensure respect for international human rights law and refugee law.
The Committee also strongly criticized the Libyan authorities’ refusal to accept recommendations to review legislation that restricts the work of civil society organizations, considering that these laws and decrees raise serious concerns about freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.
In a related context, the Committee welcomed Libya’s acceptance of recommendations regarding the initiation of a national reconciliation process based on human rights, along with efforts for transitional justice, but warned of the risks of these paths failing, and urged to ensure their continuity and address issues of accountability and reparations for victims, including achieving justice and granting compensation.
