Khartoum – Sudan Now
The Sudanese Journalists Union has expressed concern over the conditions of Sudanese journalists living or stranded in Libya, citing reports of growing security and humanitarian risks affecting journalists and their families.
In a statement, the union said it had recently received appeals and testimonies from Sudanese journalists in Libya describing what it called increasing harassment, discriminatory treatment and threats affecting their personal safety and livelihoods.
The union said some journalists reported living in a climate of fear and uncertainty as they struggle with the consequences of Sudan’s ongoing war while also facing mounting challenges affecting foreign nationals in Libya.
According to the statement, one Sudanese journalist working for a Sudanese media outlet said he and his family were subjected to threats and degrading treatment that forced them to leave their area of residence out of concern for the safety of their children and relatives.
The union said the incident reflected broader humanitarian challenges facing some Sudanese journalists who fled the conflict in Sudan and are now living under difficult conditions abroad.
The statement stressed that journalists who left Sudan because of the war or their professional activities should not face further risks or violations in their countries of refuge or residence.
The union called on international and regional organizations concerned with press freedom, journalist safety and human rights to conduct an independent assessment of the situation of Sudanese journalists in Libya and provide urgent protection mechanisms for those facing heightened risks.
It also urged the provision of legal, humanitarian and psychological support for affected journalists and their families, as well as consideration of humanitarian evacuation, resettlement or safe relocation options for the most vulnerable cases.
The Sudanese Journalists Union further called on the Libyan authorities to take the necessary measures to ensure the safety of Sudanese journalists and their families, protect their rights and prevent any acts of violence, harassment or discrimination against them.
The appeal comes as thousands of Sudanese displaced by the war continue to seek refuge in neighboring countries, while journalists and media workers face additional challenges linked to displacement, insecurity and restrictions on their professional activities.
