MP seeks answers following reports of attacks on migrant workers in Libya
Chuka Umunna MP has written to Foreign Secretary William Hague after reports of attacks against African migrant workers in Libya by forces allied to the country’s ruling National Transitional Council.
According to a recent BBC report, Black migrant workers from other African nations, including Nigeria, have been the victims of violence, abuse and intimidation and have been wrongly targeted by forces within Libya as ‘mercenaries’.
In his letter to the Foreign Secretary, Mr Umunna asks the Foreign Secretary to outline what the UK government’s assessment of the allegations and what action Britain will be taking.
He writes: “The National Transitional Council sought to remove Colonel Gadaffi to pave the way for a free, fair and democratic Libya. Given the support provided to rebel fighters in Libya by British and NATO forces was given with these values in mind, it is imperative that this matter is investigated fully and that within Libya the perpetrators are brought to justice.”
Chuka Umunna currently serves as Vice Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Nigeria and was among. Following his election in 2010, he became one of the first MPs of Nigerian descent to serve in the House of Commons
Commenting, Mr Umunna said:
“UK and NATO forces were deployed to protect civilians in Libya, and I am deeply concerned about the reports of violence towards minority groups within the country. That is why I have written to the Foreign Secretary this week to demand answers and ensure the UK government does all it can to address and remedy this urgent situation.”
