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MINNEAPOLIS—Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) released the following statement amid reports of the rampant racist abuse of African migrants in Libyan detention centers–including, rape, being sold into slavery, and murder.
“I am deeply disturbed by the latest reports of rampant abuse, torture, sexual violence and extortion of migrants in Libya, many from sub-Saharan Africa. Instead of welcoming the thousands of refugees fleeing violence and instability, the Libyan coast guard hands migrants over to militias, who systematically torture, rape, abuse and enslave them.
“Instead of welcoming refugees, the EU has sent $455 million to Libya since 2015. But much of that money has been diverted to militias and human traffickers.
“The U.S. needs a comprehensive strategy to address the ongoing human trafficking and modern day slavery crisis in Libya, and I was proud to author and pass legislation this year to require just this. That includes support for peaceful elections and the UN-recognized transitional government, full accountability for crimes against humanity, war crimes, and human rights abuses committed during the Civil War and the ongoing migrant crisis. It also includes living up to our moral responsibility to resettle those fleeing oppression around the world, including Africa.
“President Biden must follow through on his commitment to raise the refugee cap next year and once we do that, the rest of the world should follow.”
