Author: RACHAEL ADEEGBE

The Italian coast guard recovered three more bodies from the shipwreck off the coast of Calabria that occurred on Monday, June 17th 2024. This brings the total number of bodies recovered to six. According to survivors, around 60 people are still missing, including 26 children. The shipwreck involved a sailing yacht believed to have departed from Turkey, which sank after an explosion approximately 120 miles off the coast of Calabria. Survivors reported that some migrants attempted to cling to pieces of wreckage as the ship went down. The nationalities of those on board included Iraqis, Syrians, and Iranians. Shakilla Mohammadi,…

Sea Watch has released a video showing Libyan coast guard officials hitting migrants rescued by a merchant ship with clubs. Meanwhile, the Italian interior ministry has introduced a new decree on asylum policies. In a video posted by Sea Watch, Libyan coast guard officials are seen assaulting a group of shipwrecked individuals aboard the Maridive merchant ship, which had rescued them. The footage, captured by Sea Watch’s surveillance aircraft, Seabird, shows the coast guard demanding the handover of about 60 migrants who were on deck at the time. The Libyan coast guard’s cutter, reportedly provided by Italy, aggressively approached the…

Indian farmworker Satnam Singh tragically passed away on June 19 in Rome after a severe accident with farm machinery near Latina. He was abandoned in the street by his employers, leading to his death. Satnam Singh, a 31-year-old farmworker from India, lost his right arm in a farm accident while working in Borgo Santa Maria, near Latina, south of Rome. Despite the critical nature of his injuries, Singh’s employers did not call for medical help. Instead, they transported him to his home and left him there. His family, upon discovering his condition, called emergency services. Singh was taken by helicopter…

On Tuesday, June 18th 2024, over 800 migrants crossed the Channel from France to the UK, setting a new record for 2024. According to Home Office data, 882 migrants made the journey in 15 small boats, marking the highest single-day figure since 2022. After a brief pause in crossings, with 105 migrants arriving on June 13, no arrivals were recorded on June 19. This latest figure surpasses the previous 2024 record by more than 100 people. The last time a higher number was recorded was on November 29, 2022, when 947 people made the crossing, according to Sky News. Since…

Germany is witnessing a shift towards stricter migration policies, with increasing public support for measures like deporting rejected asylum-seekers. This trend is evident across various segments of the population, including among refugees themselves, as highlighted by a recent investigation conducted by DW in a small town east of Berlin. In response to the evolving sentiment, German authorities are intensifying efforts to tighten regulations surrounding migration. The growing support for deportations reflects a broader societal concern over managing immigration and ensuring compliance with asylum procedures. The shift in public opinion underscores a significant change in Germany’s approach to migration policy, reflecting…

Ecuador has decided to terminate its visa-free entry program for Chinese nationals, a move aimed at addressing a surge in irregular migration flows. Since 2016, Chinese travelers could enter Ecuador without a visa and stay for up to 90 days. However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility cited a significant increase in Chinese citizens overstaying their permitted time as the reason for ending the program. The decision marks a pivotal change as Ecuador was one of only two countries in the Americas offering visa-free access to Chinese nationals, the other being Suriname. According to the ministry, approximately half…

In a recent development, the Council of State has intervened to suspend the transfer of six patrol boats to the National Guard of Tunisia, following an appeal by several humanitarian organizations. This decision comes after the Regional Administrative Court of Lazio rejected an earlier appeal against the transfer, deeming it compliant with both EU agreements and national laws. The controversy arose when organizations including Asgi, Arci, ActionAid, Mediterranea Saving Humans, Spazi Circolari, and Le Carbet contested the transfer, citing concerns over human rights implications. They argued that the boats could be used to intercept and deter migrants attempting perilous sea…

A detailed report by Border Forensics has accused Spanish and Moroccan authorities of violently repressing migrants at the Melilla border, directing them to the Barrio Chino crossing where they were trapped and attacked. The Geneva-based agency asserts that the deaths from the Melilla incident on June 24, 2022, were intentional, not accidental. Human rights advocates are urging accountability from both Moroccan and Spanish authorities two years after the tragic violence at the border of the Spanish enclave of Melilla. The report, released on June 18, highlights the need for transparency and justice for the victims and their families. On June…

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) in Luxembourg has made a significant ruling, determining that refugee status granted by one European Union (EU) country does not automatically require recognition by another. This decision further complicates the asylum process across the EU, adding uncertainty regarding the treatment and status of refugees within the bloc. On June 18 2024, the ECJ ruled that Germany is not obligated to automatically recognize the refugee status of individuals who have already been acknowledged as refugees in another EU country. This verdict underscores the autonomy of each EU member state in assessing asylum claims independently, despite…

A recent BBC investigation into migration towards Greece claims that over the past three years, the actions of the Greek coast guard have resulted in the deaths of dozens of migrants. Despite the authorities’ denial, they have pledged to investigate every complaint thoroughly. According to eyewitness accounts presented in the BBC documentary, at least nine migrants were reportedly thrown overboard by the Greek coast guard, leading to several drownings. The BBC analyzed 15 incidents from May 2020 to 2023, revealing a total of 43 deaths. The sources for these allegations included local media, NGOs, and the Turkish coast guard. One…