The UN is horrified by reports of slavery in Libya. Thousands of African refugees are sold in auctions across Libya every week. Most of the people are black African men. There are also reports of enslaved people having their organs removed. These are sold illegally. In a televised statement, the UN said it was, "horrified at news reports and video footage showing African migrants in Libya reportedly being sold as slaves". The UN asked authorities to "investigate these activities without delay and to bring the [criminals] to justice".

Human rights experts said urgent action must be taken to stop this modern-day slave trade. They said slavery was now a terrible reality in Libya. They said the trade is similar to "one of the darkest chapters in human history, when millions of Africans were uprooted, enslaved, trafficked and auctioned to the highest bidder". People are being sold for up to $400 each. The UN said: "Slavery has no place in our world and these actions are among the most [terrible] abuses of human rights and…amount to crimes against humanity." It asked all countries to fight to end the slave trade.