Six people have been sanctioned by the United Nations for human trafficking offences and smuggling of migrants in Libya.
The sanctions were imposed on Thursday after Russia backed an earlier request for action against the individuals.
The U.N sanction against the six individuals will affect their assets as well as they facing travel bans.
U.S. Ambassador to the U.N Nikki Haley said “Today’s sanctions send a strong message that the international community is united in seeking accountability for perpetrators of human trafficking and smuggling.”
Arrest warrant
This year Libyan officials issued arrest warrants for over 200 Libyans and foreigners who were involved in a smuggling syndicate.
The syndicate was abusing African migrants trying to get to Europe.
Officials claimed that the trafficking syndicate had security service officials, leaders of migrant detention camps, and embassy officials from African countries based in Libya.
There is also an established link between the said smugglers syndicate and Islamic State group jihadists.
Libya since Moammar Gaddafi’s overthrow has become a hub for slave trade. Africans hoping to cross the Mediterranean into Europe are subjected to inhumane treatments and sold in slave markets.
Source: Africafeeds.com