Author: RACHAEL ADEEGBE

In a move aimed at streamlining asylum procedures, Switzerland’s implementation of a 24-hour process for evaluating asylum claims has resulted in a drastic drop in applications, according to initial results from the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM). The controversial measure, introduced by the Swiss authorities, has seen a reduction of more than 50 percent in asylum applications, raising concerns among human rights advocates and sparking debates over the balance between efficiency and protecting the rights of refugees. The 24-hour asylum process, a cornerstone of Switzerland’s efforts to manage the influx of asylum seekers, has drawn criticism from various quarters. However,…

In a dangerous and illegal attempt to enter Germany, two migrants were discovered traveling as stowaways underneath a coach in the southern state of Bavaria on Sunday May 12th 2024. The incident took a dramatic turn when one of the men fell onto a highway, narrowly avoiding a serious accident. According to police reports, a woman driving on the A99 highway in the district of Ebersberg was forced to brake abruptly when she noticed a person lying on the road. Miraculously, she managed to avoid running over the individual, later identified as one of the migrants clinging to the underside…

In a startling turn of events, an inspection by Italian authorities at the Via Corelli migrant detention center (CPR) in Milan has unveiled shockingly poor and “inhuman” conditions, leading to swift legal action. The Milan prosecutor’s office has concluded an investigation ahead of requesting a trial into the case, which has drawn national attention and outrage. The investigation, conducted by the Italian financial police, the Guardia di Finanza (GDF), uncovered evidence of fraud in public supplies and collusive tendering practices by Martinina SRL, the Salerno-based company responsible for managing the facility. On December 13th 2023, the center was placed under…

As Germany commemorates the 75th anniversary of the Basic Law, the cornerstone of its post-war liberal democracy, the nation is grappling with the ever-evolving concept of citizenship and national identity. With a new law regulating citizenship set to take effect in June, Deutsche Welle reporter Loveday Wright sought to understand the multifaceted dimensions of what it means to hold a German passport today. Wright met with three individuals from diverse backgrounds, each offering a unique perspective on the significance of German citizenship in a country shaped by increased immigration and a rich tapestry of cultures. Perspective 1: The Immigrant’s JourneyFor…

An Iranian Kurdish women’s rights activist, Maysoon Majidi, is facing trial in Crotone, Italy, on charges of being a human smuggler after fleeing persecution in Iran and arriving on Italian shores with 77 other migrants on December 31st, 2023. The 28-year-old, who has been involved with Kurdish rights organizations and worked as a film director and theater actress, vehemently denies the accusations leveled against her. Amnesty International has intervened in Majidi’s case, with the organization’s Italian director, Ileana Bello, writing a letter to the presiding judge, Elisa Marchetto. In the letter, Bello highlighted Majidi’s previous arrest and torture by Iranian…

Panama is bracing for a significant shift in its immigration policy as President-elect José Raúl Mulino pledges to shut down a migration route used by over 500,000 people last year. This route, traversing the challenging terrain of the Darien jungle, has served as a crucial pathway for migrants heading north, facilitated by Panama’s transit policies. Mulino’s proposed action seeks to halt what he views as an unnecessary and perilous journey through Panama’s territory. Emphasizing that Panama and the Darien region are not merely transit zones but integral parts of the nation’s borders, Mulino aims to curb the so-called “Darien odyssey.”…

In a significant development, China has quietly resumed cooperation with the United States on the repatriation of Chinese migrants illegally stranded in the U.S. This comes as a response to the surge in Chinese migrants crossing the southern border into the United States, as reported by The Associated Press. The repatriation cooperation, which was halted by China in August 2022, has been reinstated amid escalating tensions over various geopolitical issues, including Taiwan. China’s initial halt was seen as a retaliatory measure over the visit to Taiwan by then-Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. Beijing’s stance on Taiwan remains firm, considering…

The plight of migrants detained in detention centers in Poland, particularly asylum seekers, sheds light on concerning mental health implications amid prolonged confinement. Following perilous journeys across the Belarusian border, individuals like Ali, Abdou, and Benjamin found themselves confined in what can only be described as prison-like structures, leading to profound psychological distress. Ali, an Iraqi asylum seeker, recounts his experience at the Biala Podlaska migrant center, where he spent 11 days amid concrete walls, echoing the ordeal faced by countless migrants along similar migratory routes. Despite official procedures dictating placement in open centers for asylum seekers, the reality often…

The anticipated commencement of Italy’s migrant centers in Albania is facing significant delays, casting uncertainty over the operational timeline. Construction efforts in the port cities of Shengjin and Gjader, where the facilities are set to be established, are still ongoing, despite initial projections for the centers to be operational by May 20. The facility planned for Shengjin is envisioned as a crucial hotspot for accommodating newly arrived migrants, providing temporary shelter and essential services. Meanwhile, the Gjader center aims to house a sizable population of up to 880 individuals, primarily for identification purposes. Additionally, plans include the establishment of a…

In the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Poland garnered international praise for its extensive support of Ukrainian refugees. However, amidst this backdrop of solidarity, the country finds itself navigating more complex terrain when it comes to welcoming migrants from regions such as Syria, Afghanistan, and Africa. This nuanced situation reflects broader societal divisions, with historical political factors contributing to the current landscape. In the small Polish village of Wojnówka, nestled near the border with Belarus, residents recently gathered to discuss the migration situation. Organized by the Podlaskie Voluntary Humanitarian Emergency Service (POPH), the meeting provided a platform for…