Libya closes three detention centers for migrants

Libya plans to close three of its largest immigration detention centers, the country's interior minister, Fathi Bashagha, said.

The centers in question are in Misrata, Tajoura and Khoms.

This follows criticism that migrants were returned to Tajoura after he was hit by a deadly missile attack in July.

This "outrageous" attack could constitute a war crime, said the UN envoy to Libya, Ghbadan Salamé, and the chief human rights officer, Michelle Bachelet.

However, the UN Security Council did not condemn this decision after the United States had refused to approve a joint statement, according to diplomats.

The detention center of Tajoura is also close to the fighting between the government of the capital, Tripoli, recognized by the UN, and the Libyan national army based in Benghazi, which is committed to take the control of the city.

Organizations monitoring the situation in Libya fear that these closures will lead to overcrowding of the remaining centers and the possibility that many migrants will be left in the hands of traffickers.

Last week again, 150 migrants drowned after leaving Libya for Italy.

This was the biggest loss of life in the Mediterranean Sea this year.