UN blames online disinformation for protests outside Libya offices

The United Nations said on Friday it is deeply concerned by violent protests outside its offices in Libya this week and blamed social media for fueling

disinformation about the world body's work in the country. Hundreds of Libyan demonstrators blocked off the office of the U.N. refugee agency (UNHCR) in Tripoli on Thursday during a protest against migrants who travel to Libya in search of work or passage to Europe.



It was the largest of several recent demonstrations against migrants, whom some Libyans blame for social and economic problems that have become more visible during 15 years of conflict and political division in the North African country.



"We are deeply concerned by the violent protests that took place yesterday outside the UNHCR and UNSMIL headquarters in Tripoli," U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told a regular briefing at U.N. headquarters in New York.



"The U.N. strongly condemns any attack or threats against personnel or premises," he said, adding: "We are concerned by the spread of misinformation and disinformation regarding the work of the United Nations in Libya."