UNHCR welcomes release of illegal immigrants from Libyan detention centre

Published: November 08, 2019 13:32:11 | Updated: November 19, 2019 10:55:39

ajoura detention centre in Tripoli, Libya | Photo: Reuters/I.Zitouny

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on Thursday welcomed the release of more than 100 illegal immigrants and refugees from a detention centre in the Libyan capital of Tripoli.

"UNHCR welcomes the release of 100+ refugees and migrants that took place early this week from Triq alSikka detention centre," the UNHCR in Lybia tweeted.

"At the Community Day Centre, with partners, UNHCR is providing medical care, core-relief items and emergency cash for needs including shelter," it added.

Thousands of illegal immigrants, mostly Africans, choose to cross the Mediterranean Sea towards Europe from Libya although the UNHCR has repeatedly stressed that Libya is not a safe port due to its deteriorating security conditions, Xinhua reported.

Shelters in Libya are crowded with immigrants rescued at sea or arrested, despite international calls to close those centres.