UNHCR, the United Nations Refugee Agency, said in a statement that it was dismayed at reports of traffickers posing as UNHCR agents.
UNHCR has called on the Libyan authorities to take action against all criminals trying to take advantage of desperate refugees and migrants.
"Reliable reports from our sources and the refugees themselves report that traffickers and smugglers are replacing UN personnel, including UNHCR, in various locations in Libya."
He said those criminals were spotted at landing points and smuggling centers, using vests and other items with UNHCR-like logos.
UNHCR indicated that the information comes from refugees who report that they have been sold to traffickers in Libya and have been subjected to abuse and torture, even after being intercepted at sea.
"In Libya, UNHCR and its partners are present at official disembarkation points to provide humanitarian and medical assistance to refugees and migrants, including food, water and clothing."
He also noted that the situation of refugees and migrants living in urban areas or detained in Tripoli has deteriorated dramatically in recent weeks due to heavy clashes.
UNHCR also added that, according to reports from the detention centers, there were "heinous acts against migrants in Tripoli during the recent clashes". We therefore remain opposed to the detention of refugees and asylum seekers ", but we are now present in the places where refugees are to provide them with life-saving assistance".
"UNHCR strongly calls for alternatives to detention to be put in place, including the immediate use of the collection and departure facility in Tripoli, which will serve as a platform for finding safety in third countries and which will be managed by the Libyan Ministry of Interior and the UNHCR. The facility has the capacity to accommodate 1.000 refugees and asylum seekers and is ready for use. “The UNHCR report adds.
UNHCR said it is also calling for strong institutional action in Libya to track down those responsible for smugglers and human traffickers.
