Press release on the shipwreck off the coast of Zuwara (State of Libya) that caused the death or disappearance of at least 53 migrants and refugees, including two infants
The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (the Commission) expresses its deep sadness and grave concern following the shipwreck off the coast of Zuwara (Libya), which resulted in the death or disappearance of at least fifty-three (53) migrants and refugees of various African nationalities, including two infants, after a boat carrying fifty-five (55) people capsized. Only two survivors were rescued during a search and rescue operation conducted by the Libyan authorities.
According to information reported to the Commission, the boat – a rubber dinghy – left Zaouïa (Zawiya), west of Tripoli, on the evening of 5 February 2026, before capsizing at sea a few hours later after taking on water.
The African Commission extends its sincere condolences to the families of the victims and reaffirms its solidarity with the survivors and all those affected by this tragedy. It recalls that this tragedy occurs in a context of persistent risks on the central Mediterranean route, where the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has already recorded at least 484 migrants dead or missing in 2026.
The African Commission recalls that the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights (the Charter), particularly in Articles 4, 5 and 12, guarantees to everyone, regardless of their migration status, the right to life, the right to dignity and the prohibition of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, as well as freedom of movement. It emphasises that these rights entail positive obligations on States to prevent, protect, assist and effectively investigate when a serious violation is alleged or has occurred, as well as duties to cooperate in rescue at sea and combat criminal networks that exploit the vulnerability of migrants.
The African Commission further recalls that States Parties have an obligation to protect all migrants, refugees and asylum seekers in accordance with their international and regional commitments, particularly in light of the relevant instruments adopted by the Commission, including the African Guidelines on the Human Rights of All Migrants, Refugees and Asylum Seekers (2023) and Resolution CADHP/Res.486 (2021) on Migrants and Refugees Missing in Africa and the Consequences for their Families.
In this context, the African Commission expresses particular concern about persistent reports of serious and systematic violations against migrants intercepted and returned to Libya, including arbitrary detention, extortion and forced labour.
In light of the above, the African Commission:
• Calls on the States concerned, including coastal States, to strengthen the capacity and coordination of search and rescue operations in order to prevent further loss of life, and to ensure immediate, humane and non-discriminatory assistance to survivors;
• Invites States to open and expand safe and regular migration channels and to ensure that migration management policies, including control mechanisms, are designed and implemented with full respect for the fundamental rights of migrants;
• Calls for enhanced measures to prevent and combat trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants, including through effective investigations, prompt prosecutions and protection of victims, in particular women, children and other persons in vulnerable situations;
• Reaffirms the requirement that any control, interception and return measures strictly comply with the applicable procedural and substantive safeguards, including respect for human dignity and protection against prohibited treatment;
• Encourages the African Union and its international partners to intensify support to States in the region for the development and implementation of human rights-based migration policies, as well as programmes addressing the root causes of forced departures.
The African Commission remains fully seized of the situation and reaffirms its determination to continue its commitment, in accordance with its mandate, to the protection of the human rights of all migrants, refugees and asylum seekers.
Done at Banjul, 11 February 2026
Honourable Commissioner Selma SASSI-SAFER
Commissioner in charge of the human rights situation in the State of Libya
Special Rapporteur on refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons and migrants in Africa
