Escalation of Hate Speech and Incitement Against Black Communities in Libya

Libya - March 12, 2025 We, the undersigned organizations, express our deep concern over the alarming rise in hate speech and racial discrimination against Black communities in Libya, which has culminated in public calls for mass expulsion and violence.

This incitement is particularly evident in the campaign promoting the so-called "Friday for the Expulsion of Africans from Libya," scheduled for Friday, March 14, 2025. Such calls constitute a blatant violation of human rights principles and a dangerous provocation of violence and racial discrimination, in clear contradiction with both domestic laws and international conventions that criminalize racial discrimination and hate speech. As an African nation with a rich historical heritage of cultural and ethnic diversity, Libya must not tolerate any attempts to exclude or target any segment of society based on race or origin.

This incitement campaign does not only target migrants but also poses a direct threat to Black Libyans, who are an integral part of the country's social and cultural fabric.

In this context, we affirm the following :

1. Our unequivocal rejection of all forms of racial discrimination and hate speech against Black individuals, whether Libyan citizens or migrants residing in Libya.

2. A strong warning about the grave consequences of such incitement campaigns, which may lead to increased violence, destabilization of security and social peace, and a serious threat to national unity and communal harmony

3. A call for judicial and security authorities to take urgent measures to prosecute and hold accountable all those who promote hate speech or incite violence, particularly social media influencers who contribute to fueling racial tensions.

4. A call on media outlets and social media platforms to uphold their ethical and professional responsibilities by preventing the spread of hate speech and adhering to responsible publishing standards that respect human values and individual rights.

5. Reaffirming Libya's commitment to international conventions that criminalize racial discrimination and ensuring legal and humanitarian protection for all individuals, including migrants and refugees, against any violations or acts of violence.

6. Emphasizing that rejecting hate speech and incitement to violence is a fundamental commitment to human rights principles which guarantee protection from discrimination and violations for all individuals, regardless of their legal status.

This stance does not imply the endorsement of specific political positions regarding naturalization or residency policies. Urging the public not to be swayed by inciteful rhetoric that justifies violence against individuals solely based on their racial or national identity and stressing the importance of addressing this issue through legal and humanitarian frameworks, free from racist or retaliatory discourse.

As human rights and civil society organizations, we reaffirm that peaceful coexistence and tolerance are the cornerstones of any society striving for stability and development. Therefore, we call upon all civil and human rights forces, as well as national and international institutions, to firmly counter these racist incitements and take all necessary legal and peaceful measures to combat them and thwart attempts to spread discord and hatred in Libyan society.

Signatory Organizations:

1. Libyan Platform Coalition

2. Aman Against Discrimination

3. Adala for All Association

4. Defender Center for Human Rights

5. Alkarama Organization, Geneva

6. Sawt for Human Rights Organization

7. Ensaf Organization for Rights and Freedoms

8. Stateless Voices Organization

9. Rights Group for Migration

10. Nuazi Center for Studies and Development

11. Refugees in Libya