Libya’s Coastguard Implicated in Violence Against Migrants and Rescuers
Libya’s coastguard has been linked to more than 70% of 107 documented incidents of violence against migrants, refugees and European nationals at sea since 2016, according to an updated report by humanitarian organisation Sea-Watch. The report, published on Wednesday, 4 November, recorded 26 incidents in 2026, making it the most violent year since monitoring began, according to the organisation. At least 80 of the 107 incidents involved the Libyan coastguard, which receives support from the European Union. The documented cases included shootings at migrants and rescue vessels, physical assaults, threats and dangerous manoeuvres around boats in distress. In five incidents this year, migrants attempting to reach Europe were reportedly forced overboard. Sea-Watch also documented repeated hara…
