In her UNSC briefing on 18 August, SRSG Hanna Tetteh warned that anti-migration narratives and misinformation continue to harm vulnerable populations and constrain the humanitarian response. The prolonged closure of UNHCR’s office has further limited access to essential protection services. She urged the authorities to safeguard humanitarian space, counter incitement and uphold their responsibilities towards refugees, asylum-seekers and migrants in need of protection.
In his latest report, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said he was concerned by the spread of misinformation, disinformation and hate speech campaigns against migrants, refugees and asylum-seekers, which heightens protection risks, fuels hostility towards humanitarian actors and undermines social cohesion. He called upon all relevant actors to refrain from inflammatory rhetoric, counter false narratives and ensure that migration management efforts are grounded in human rights and dignity.
He also urged Libyan security institutions and other competent authorities to take immediate and decisive action to dismantle trafficking networks, close informal detention sites and hold perpetrators accountable. Enhanced cooperation between Libyan authorities, the United Nations and international partners remains essential to strengthen institutional protection mechanisms, improve access to humanitarian assistance and ensure that any returns are voluntary, safe, dignified and undertaken only when conditions are conducive