Author: RACHAEL ADEEGBE

In a recent joint statement, 63 humanitarian organizations have voiced their concerns regarding the European Union’s collaboration with Tunisia on returning migrants intercepted at sea. They argue that this partnership contributes to significant human rights violations against vulnerable individuals. The statement, dated October 4, is titled “Tunisia is not a place of safety for people rescued at sea.” Prominent signatories of the statement include well-known organizations such as SOS Humanity, Sea-Watch, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch. They urge Tunisian authorities to halt human rights abuses against migrants and to cease the repression of civil society. The statement emphasizes that…

Greek authorities reported that more than 230 migrants successfully arrived in Crete over the weekend after crossing the Mediterranean from North Africa. This significant influx occurred through six separate crossings and represents a sharp increase compared to the few dozen migrants who typically use the more common route from Turkey to the nearby eastern Aegean islands. In recent months, Crete has emerged as a notable destination for migrants willing to undertake the perilous journey from Libya. As the number of arrivals continues to rise, the Greek government is considering establishing state-funded migrant processing centers on the island, which has a…

Türkiye has recently intensified its crackdown on irregular migration, capturing over 4,040 migrants and approximately 200 smugglers in just one month. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya made this announcement on October 8, 2024, as part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal arrivals driven by war and economic hardships in various regions. The Turkish police and gendarmerie have been conducting continuous operations across the country throughout September, leading to significant arrests. Yerlikaya reported that authorities arrested 82 smugglers, while 31 others were released on probation. Additionally, around 107 vehicles used for smuggling activities were seized during these operations. The captured migrants have…

The St. Rachel Center in Jerusalem provides a vital lifeline for refugee and migrant families by offering safe and reliable child care. Managed by Sr. Maria David Magbanua under the auspices of the Latin Patriarchate’s Vicariate for Refugees and Asylum Seekers, the center supports parents, like Eritrean refugee Abraham Rada, by caring for their children in a nurturing environment while they work. With a lack of legal status in Israel, many migrants and asylum seekers struggle to find affordable and safe care for their children, often resorting to unregulated and overcrowded nurseries. The St. Rachel Center caters to 28 younger…

The UK has the largest population of illegal migrants in Europe, with an estimated 745,000 people living within the country without permission, according to a study by Oxford University. This figure means that over one in 100 people in the UK are living illegally, surpassing other European countries like France, with around 300,000 undocumented migrants, and Germany, with approximately 700,000. The research comes amid a surge in migrant crossings, with 973 people arriving in the UK via small boats on Sunday alone, marking the highest daily figure of the year. So far in 2024, 26,612 migrants have made the dangerous…

Iran has ramped up efforts to deport at least two million undocumented migrants by March 2025, according to Ahmad Reza Radan, the commander of Iran’s law enforcement forces. The target mainly affects Afghan nationals, who make up the majority of the migrant population in Iran. Speaking in an interview with IRNA, Radan stated that their aim is to send millions of illegal foreign nationals back to their home countries by the end of the current year. While no specific nationality was mentioned, the term “foreign national” in Iranian media typically refers to Afghan nationals. United Nations estimates suggest nearly 4.5…

Portugal has introduced a new programme called Programa Integrar to support migrants seeking employment through the national Institute of Employment and Vocational Training (IEFP). This initiative aims to assist those who are currently unemployed, looking for their first job, or seeking a career change. It also provides help to those interested in accessing vocational training. The programme offers a range of services including skills recognition, training, and job search assistance, helping migrants navigate the job market more effectively. The government highlighted the importance of welcoming and integrating migrants, particularly in light of the country’s ageing population and the shortage of…

A child has tragically died along with several others while attempting to cross the English Channel, according to a statement by French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau. The child was reportedly “trampled to death” on a boat carrying migrants trying to make the dangerous journey from France to the UK. Retailleau shared the heartbreaking news on social media, calling it a “terrible tragedy” and condemning the people smugglers responsible for organizing these perilous crossings. He vowed that the French government would intensify its efforts to combat these criminal networks profiting from the desperation of migrants. The issue of deaths in the…

A group of 17 European countries, including Germany and France, is calling for stricter rules to speed up the return of migrants in the European Union. In a letter to the European Commission, these countries emphasized the need for governments to detain illegal migrants who pose security risks. They also urged for better cooperation from migrants with authorities and for all EU nations to adopt the same software for managing cases. The push for faster returns reflects growing concerns over the current pace of deportations and overall migration management in Europe. Among the countries advocating for these changes are Norway,…

Former President Donald Trump has repeatedly labeled Venezuelan and Congolese migrants as criminals in his speeches since September 2023, according to an analysis. He has used this rhetoric to fuel his immigration policies, making unfounded claims about these groups and others. Trump has even warned that these migrants could cause major crises, such as starting a global conflict. His speeches have painted a negative picture of migrants from African, Asian, Middle Eastern, and Latin American countries, as he pushes for mass deportations. Over a span of 13 months, Trump’s speeches and interviews have frequently mentioned Venezuelan and Congolese migrants in…