Racism in Libya

Libya is a predominantly Arab country that has traditionally held extremely racist views towards black-skinned, sub-Saharan Africans.

The New York Times argues that Libya has a "long history of racist violence being reported."[1]

Black Africans were victims of chattel slavery in Libya until the 20th century. In the 21st century, a significant number of sub-Saharan Africans came to Libya, primarily to work as unskilled laborers. In recent years, a number of racist incidents targeting Black migrants have been reported.^[2][3][4] According to Peter Bouckaert of Human Rights Watch, the incidents targeting migrants and refugees reflect "a deep-seated racism and anti-African sentiment in Libyan society."^[1]

During the Battle of Tawergha, rebel slogans like "the brigade for purging slaves, black skin" were scrawled on the road between Misrata and Tawergha.^[5]

See also

• Racism by country
• Racism in the Middle East
• Slavery in Libya