The UN is shocked by reports of slavery in Libya. Thousands of refugees are sold in auctions across Libya every week. Most of them are African men. There are also reports of people having their kidneys removed. These are sold illegally. The UN said it was, "horrified at news reports…showing African migrants in Libya…being sold as slaves." It asked for an investigation into these activities, without delay. It wants to bring the criminals to justice.

Experts want urgent action to stop this modern-day slave trade. It is similar to, "one of the darkest chapters in human history, when millions of Africans were uprooted, enslaved, trafficked and auctioned". People are being sold for up to $400 each. The UN said: "Slavery has no place in our world." It added that slavery is a terrible abuse of human rights and that it was a crime against humanity.