On 2 June, according to some sources, unusual activity took place at the UNHCR office in Tripoli’s al‑Sarraj district ahead of information about a planned ‘major uprising’ against irregular migration scheduled for 4 June. Media reports indicated that staff were seen moving documents and office equipment, and a truck with a container was parked at the back gate, prompting speculation about precautionary steps the agency might be taking before the announced protests.
On 4 June in the afternoon, several hundred protesters gathered outside the UNHCR office in al-Sarraj, chanting ‘Libya for Libyans’ and ‘No to Settlement’, accusing the agency of enabling policies that could pave the way for migrant settlement in Libya. They demanded the suspension of UNHCR operations and blocked access to the compound by piling mounds of sand at its entrances. The protesters did not attempt to enter the compound itself, which was protected by the police.
Thereafter, a large group of people, probably more than 1,000, gathered in front of the UNSMIL HQ in Janzour, protesting against what they described as alleged plans to ‘resettle illegal migrants’ in Libya. They breached the outer security perimeter and continued their protest inside the UN premise without attempting to get further into the compound. There were no clashes with UN security forces as they withdrew to protect the next, inner gate.
UNSMIL acknowledged the protests outside its offices and those of the UNHCR, affirming the right to peaceful expression while condemning a rise in misinformation and hate speech that incites hostility against UN personnel. The mission categorically denied planning or implementing migrant resettlement programs to Libya, clarifying that UNHCR works with local authorities to find external solutions, including voluntary returns and third-country evacuations. Strongly condemning threats and vandalism against its staff and assets, UNSMIL urged all parties to respect the safety of its premises and thanked Tripoli authorities for maintaining public order.