MSF says 800 migrants detained in worsening conditions in Libya

800 migrants in a Libyan detention center in western Libya are being held in worsening conditions without sufficient food or water, Doctors without Borders (MSF) said.

Many of the migrants have been trapped for more than five months in the center of Zuwara, about 100 km (62 miles) west of Tripoli, where some arrived malnourished after being held by smuggling networks, MSF said in a statement late on Thursday.

“The situation is critical,” said MSF emergency program manager Karline Kleijer.

Many detention centers have been closed in recent months as migrants are repatriated under a voluntary returns program run by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) or through bilateral flights.

More than 500 people had been detained in the city in the past 15 days, according to MSF.

“However, there is no solution in sight for many of the estimated 800 people who remain in the detention center in Zuwara,” MSF said.

“We strongly urge all international agencies with a presence in Libya, representatives from the countries of origin, and the Libyan authorities to do everything they can to find a solution for these people over the next few days,” said Kleijer.