Protesters seal UNHCR headquarters in Tripoli amid anti-migrant campaign

A protest moves from demonstration to obstruction

Protesters sealed the entrance to the UN refugee agency's headquarters in Tripoli on September 9, according to Al Jazeera footage showing the blocked gate. The action followed months of demonstrations by people who accuse the United Nations of trying to permanently settle undocumented migrants in Libya. UN agencies have previously rejected that accusation, saying their programmes seek protection and solutions outside Libya, including evacuation and voluntary return where appropriate.

The closure is consequential even without reported violence. UNHCR registration and casework can be a gateway to documentation, protection referrals and possible evacuation for people fleeing war or persecution. Blocking an office can interrupt access for refugees while also exposing UN personnel and property to risk. The available report did not establish how long the barrier would remain or whether staff had shifted services elsewhere.

Sudan's war has expanded Libya's protection burden

The protest is unfolding as Libya hosts a large and increasingly vulnerable displaced population. A 2026 UN Security Council report said the International Organization for Migration estimated more than 939,000 migrants and refugees were in Libya at the end of 2025. By March 24, UNHCR had registered more than 111,000 refugees in Tripoli, including over 91,000 Sudanese, while the total Sudanese refugee population in Libya was estimated above 550,000.

Libya is both a destination and a major transit country for Mediterranean crossings. Its divided institutions, extensive detention system and persistent insecurity complicate protection work. Demonstrators have argued that foreign organisations are encouraging permanent settlement, but Al Jazeera's earlier reporting on the same protest movement recorded the UN's categorical denial. The agency said it helps people find solutions outside Libya and supports voluntary return when conditions permit.

The immediate test is whether Libyan authorities restore safe access without inflaming public anger. Officials and UNHCR will also need to explain how urgent appointments, registrations and referrals will continue during any closure. The broader issue is harder: Sudan's war and other regional crises keep driving people into Libya, while political resistance limits durable local solutions. Without a functioning protection presence, refugees face longer waits and greater exposure to detention, exploitation and dangerous sea journeys.