Rome, 7 October (AKI) - The Vatican's envoy to Libya, Bishop Giovanni Innocenzo Martinelli has sharply criticised Libya for its treatment of thousands of immigrants who enter the country each year from Sub-Saharan African countries. The immigrants risk prison, deportation and "worst of all" have no access to legal or health services, Martinelli told a synod of African bishops taking place in Rome.

"We know that on the African continent there are more than ten million displaced persons, migrants looking for a country, a land of peace," Martinelli said.

This "exodus" highlights social and political injustice in Africa, he said, adding: "We in Libya have intense experience of this tragedy... people come to Libya to be rejected by Europe. "

Thousands of immigrants enter Libya every year from African countries lying south of the Sahara, most of whom are fleeing war and poverty in their home countries, Martinelli stated.

The migrants look for jobs in Libya to help their families or as a means to reach Europe in the hope of finding a better and more secure life, Martinelli said.

"For many, immigration is a tragedy, especially because they fall victim to trafficking and exploitation (in particular women), and their human rights are disregarded," he said.

Italy has drawn criticism from the Vatican, the United Nations and rights groups for a controversial pact with Libya. Under the pact, thousands of migrants have since May been returned to the North African country aboard people smuggling boats intercepted in the Mediterranean by Italian and Libyan patrols.

The UN Hight Commissioner for Refugees has been especially critical of the new Italian policy. Libya is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention and has no national asylum system. It also has a poor human rights record.

UNHCR is concerned that genuine refugees and asylum seekers in Libya risk mistreatment and being denied their right to apply for protection.