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STORY: :: The UN is investigating horrific reports of a

mass grave in Libya, says human rights chief

:: July 9, 2024

:: Geneva, Switzerland

:: Volker Turk, U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights

In March this year a mass grave was discovered in south-western Libya, containing at least 65 bodies presumed to be migrants. As if this were not horrific enough, we are following up on reports of another mass grave recently discovered in the desert area at the Libyan-Tunisian border. I urge the authorities to respond swiftly to our inquiries, and to investigate these crimes fully. The loved ones of those who died have every right to know the truth. And the responsibility for investigating these crimes falls squarely with the Libyan authorities.

Volker Turk told the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, that he denounced widespread violations against migrants and refugees in Libya, which straddles a dangerous transit route running through the Sahara Desert and across the southern Mediterranean.

He gave no further details of the suspected identity of the mass grave victims or how the site was found. A spokesperson at Turk's office said: "We have not received information from the authorities but we are continuing to follow up on this."

In March, at least 65 bodies of migrants were discovered at a mass grave site in southwest Libya's al-Jahriya valley about 260 miles (420 km) south of Tripoli, the U.N.-affiliated International Organization for Migration said.

Libya and Tunisia are both vital partners in the European Union's efforts to stem the flow of migrants across the Mediterranean from North Africa into southern Europe.

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UN probing reported mass grave on Libya-Tunisia border - Yahoo! Voices