In parts of Libya, African migrants are being sold into slavery for as little as $400.
Human auctions, where migrants are sold like cattle have becoming a chilling reality for many in the North African country, an exclusive report from CNN last week has revealed.
"Does anybody need a digger? This is a digger, a big strong man, he'll dig," a salesman dressed in camouflage reportedly said during one auction. "What am I bid, what am I bid?"
In response to the article and previous allegations that have arisen over the past year, Libyan authorities have reportedly launched a formal investigation into the slave auctions.
"A high-level committee has been convened encompassing representatives from all the security apparatus to oversee this investigation," Anes Alazabi, an official with the internationally recognized government of Libya's Anti-Illegal Immigration Agency, told CNN.
"Priorities of the investigation are not only to convict those responsible for these inhumane acts, but also to identify the location of those who have been sold in order to bring them to safety and return them to their countries of origin."
However, despite welcoming Libya's position on the issue, Othman Belbeisi of the International Organization for Migration, warned that the traffickers are becoming stronger and more powerful.
"We definitely welcome the news for any investigation and we hope that this will cover not only this case but definitely all the cases of abuse and violence against migrants in Libya," Belbeisi said.