TRIPOLI, June 4 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) on Thursday denied allegations that migrants are being resettled in Libya under UN programs, describing such claims as "completely false."
UNSMIL made the statement after hundreds of Libyan protesters shut down the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Tripoli on Thursday, citing concerns over what they described as the "settlement" of irregular migrants inside the country, according to local media reports and eyewitnesses.
The mission said it had taken note of the demonstrations held outside its headquarters and the UNHCR office, reaffirming the right of Libyans to access accurate information and to express their views peacefully in accordance with Libyan and international law.
It said that none of its agencies, including UNHCR, implements any programs aimed at resettling migrants in Libya, stressing that allegations are unfounded.
According to UNSMIL, UNHCR works in coordination with the Libyan authorities and the international community to find solutions for people fleeing war, conflict, and persecution, including evacuation to third countries and voluntary return to their countries of origin when conditions permit. ■