Libya is a predominantly Arab country that has traditionally held extremely 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."

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 Black migrants have been reported. 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."

During the Battle of Tawergha, rebel slogans like "the brigade for purging slaves, black skin" were scrawled on the road between Misrata and Tawergha.

See also