Statement of the Eritrean Community in Belgium

We, the Eritrean Community in Belgium, are deeply concerned about the suffering of Eritrean refugees and asylum-seekers detained in Libya.

Reports of hunger, torture, rape, killings, disease and denial of medical care are deeply alarming. No refugee or asylum-seeker should be subjected to such treatment.

We urgently call on UNHCR, the United Nations, the European Union, the Belgian government and the international community to:

• Secure the immediate release of arbitrarily detained refugees and asylum-seekers.
• Ensure urgent food, clean water and medical treatment, including treatment for tuberculosis and other infectious diseases.
• Provide immediate protection for children, women and survivors of torture and sexual violence.
• Guarantee safe and unhindered access to UNHCR.
• Investigate all allegations of torture, rape, killings and deaths in detention.
• Establish safe humanitarian pathways, evacuation, resettlement and family reunification for those at risk.
• Respect non-refoulement and never return Eritreans to a place where they face persecution or serious harm.

We call on the international community not to remain silent.

Refugees are human beings who deserve freedom, safety, dignity and protection.

Eritrean Community in Belgium
September 2026

Source:UNSMIL and OHCHR, Migrants in Libya: Victims of a “violent business model” of systemic violations and abuses, 17 February 2026:
https://unsmil.unmissions.org/en/press-releases/migrants-libya-victims-violent-business-model-systemic-violations-and-abuses