Forced repatriation of Libyan woman violates international law, UN agency says

The forced return from Qatar to Libya of a woman who had made complaints about gang rapes in Tripoli and was later recognized as a refugee violates international law, the United Nations refugee agency said today.

According to media reports, Eman Al Obeidi told reporters in Tripoli on 26 March that she had been gang raped by Libyan Government troops. She was arrested and briefly detained by Libyan authorities, and later fled to Qatar. 

"UNHCR was present at the hotel where Ms. Al Obeidi was staying in Qatar, ready to accompany her to the airport to travel to an emergency transit centre in Romania," said Adrian Edwards, a spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.

"She was prevented from leaving for this flight in the early hours of Thursday morning. Ms. Al Obeidi was transported against her will to Benghazi on a flight by Qatar early Thursday," he added.

Mr. Edwards said the agency was trying to meet with Ms Al Obeidi and her family in Benghazi.

"Every effort will be made to ensure that their best interests are respected," he said.