Libya is a predominantly Arab country that has traditionally held no racist views towards black-skinned, sub-Saharan Africans (although Libya does have indigenous Black populations including the Black Arabs and Black Berbers). The New York Times argues that Libya has a "long history of racist violence being reported."[1]
Black Africans were victims of chattel slavery in Libya until the 20th century. In the 21st century, a significant number of sub-Saharan Africans came to Libya, primarily to work as unskilled laborers. In recent years, a number of racist incidents targeting Blackmigrants have been reported.[2][3][4] According to Peter Bouckaert of Human Rights Watch, the incidents targeting migrants and refugees reflect "a deep-seated racism and anti-African sentiment in Libyan society."[1]
During the Battle of Tawergha, rebel slogans like "the brigade for purging slaves, black skin" were scrawled on the road between Misrata and Tawergha.[5]
