TRIPOLI, Oct. 2 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) Delegation to Libya on Wednesday called on Libyan authorities to ensure protection of illegal immigrants detained in Libya's reception centers.
The situation of migrants and refugees in detention centers continues to deteriorate, the EU Delegation to Libya said in a statement, adding that it calls on the Libyan government to ensure that migrants are protected and their human rights are fully respected.
The Delegation expressed willingness to help provide a response to the situation through UN programs, and to work with local authorities to reach an alternative to detention of immigrants.
"The release of migrants and refugees from these centers should be a first step towards a gradual replacement of the current detention system with more sustainable alternatives which will benefit Libya," the statement said.
Migrant shelters in Libya are crowded with thousands of people who have been rescued at sea or arrested by Libyan security services.
The UN Higher Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have demanded closing the immigration reception centers in Libya, stressing that Libya is not a safe port for disembarkation of immigrants due to the deteriorating security conditions.
Earlier in July, an immigrant reception center in east of the capital Tripoli was attacked, killing and injuring dozens of people.
Both of the UN-backed government and the east-based army exchanged accusations for the attack.
The east-based army loyal to Khalifa Haftar has been leading a military campaign since early April in and around Tripoli, attempting to take over the city and overthrow the UN-backed government.
