Author: RACHAEL ADEEGBE
Amid a surge of more than 41,000 migrants in Denver, advocates are urgently calling on the city to extend the provision of safe outdoor spaces, typically reserved for the unhoused community, to migrants as well. Amy Beck, a dedicated grassroots advocate serving both populations, underscores the growing number of migrants forced onto the streets following the city’s recent rule change, limiting sheltering to a mere 72 hours. This sharp reduction, down from 14 days for individuals and 42 days for families, has exacerbated the challenges faced by migrants seeking refuge. Beck stresses the critical need for designated safe camping zones,…
In a devastating incident off the coast of Djibouti, at least 16 lives have been tragically lost, with 28 individuals still unaccounted for, following the capsizing of a migrant boat. This heartbreaking event unfolds merely two weeks after a similar catastrophe claimed numerous lives in the same region. The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) confirmed the grim toll, highlighting the ongoing peril faced by migrants seeking refuge and a better life. The precise timing of the latest disaster remains unspecified, but reports indicate that the ill-fated vessel was carrying 77 migrants, including children, when it capsized. The local branch of…
In response to the UK Parliament’s passage of the Rwanda Bill, paving the way for the deportation of asylum seekers to Rwanda, UN leaders issue a stark warning about the potential “harmful impact” on global responsibility-sharing, human rights, and refugee protection. UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, jointly voice their concerns in a statement, urging the UK government to reconsider its plan and uphold international obligations. Grandi emphasizes the departure from the UK’s historical commitment to providing refuge to those in need, highlighting the breach of the Refugee Convention. He…
In a heartbreaking turn of events, five migrants, including a child, tragically drowned in the English Channel while attempting to cross from France to Britain. The incident occurred on Tuesday, mere hours after the UK parliament passed legislation enabling the deportation of asylum seekers to Rwanda, in a controversial move aimed at deterring such risky journeys. The fatal journey began when a small boat, carrying a total of 112 people, set out to navigate one of the busiest shipping lanes globally. Panic ensued among the passengers as the overcrowded vessel encountered trouble not far from the shore. Despite rescue efforts,…
A recent report by Italy’s Openpolis research institute sheds light on the financial implications of the agreement between Italy and Albania to process asylum claims outside the European Union. The analysis reveals that the deal, struck in February, is estimated to incur costs amounting to €653 million over the first five years of implementation. The report outlines that a significant portion of this expenditure, totaling €252 million, will be allocated to cover travel expenses for officials from the Italian ministries of interior, justice, and health commuting between the two countries. The agreement entails the establishment of two facilities in Albania:…
The discovery of nine migrant bodies in a boat off northern Brazil has prompted authorities to believe they were en route to the Canary Islands. Among the deceased, individuals from Mali and Mauritania are presumed to be among the victims. The boat, discovered adrift off the coast of Pará by fishermen on April 13, was likely carrying “at least” 25 people when it departed, likely from Mauritania. Documents and objects found nearby indicate the victims hailed from Mauritania and Mali, though other nationalities may also be involved. Experts suggest the vessel, resembling a Mauritanian fishing boat, may have intended to…
Migrants in Italy are confronting escalating discrimination, as highlighted in a recent report from Centro Astalli, the Jesuit service for refugees in Italy, published on April 18, 2024. Moreover, the report underscores a troubling trend of diminishing asylum rights for refugees within the country. The report highlights restrictive policies towards migrants, including those aiming to dissuade departures towards the EU, such as the deportation agreement with Albania. Additionally, 2023 marked the deadliest year on record for migrants attempting to reach the EU via Mediterranean routes, with 8,541 individuals losing their lives worldwide, including 3,105 in the Mediterranean Sea during attempted…
In a significant legal development, an Italian court in Trapani, Sicily, has ruled to dismiss charges against the crews of three humanitarian organizations involved in migrant rescue operations in the Mediterranean. The case, known as the “Iuventa case,” has concluded after nearly seven years, with all 10 defendants acquitted due to lack of evidence and absence of criminal activity. The defendants, including crew members from German NGO Jugend Rettet, Save The Children, and Doctors Without Borders (MSF), were facing allegations of aiding and abetting migrant smugglers while carrying out rescue missions off the coast of Libya and in the Mediterranean…
The Thailand government has issued a stern warning to migrant workers hailing from Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar, who were employed under a four-year memorandum of understanding (MoU), to depart from Thailand before the end of April or potentially face legal repercussions due to visa expiration. Deputy government spokesman Kharom Polpornklang emphasized the necessity for these migrant workers to leave the country before April 30, as their visas are set to expire, and failure to do so could result in charges of overstaying. The MoU, facilitating labor cooperation between Thailand and its neighboring countries, permitted Thai employers to hire workers from…
Germany is set to implement a novel approach to attract skilled workers from around the world with the introduction of an opportunity card, slated to come into effect from June 2024. This initiative aims to streamline the process for job seekers by allowing them to stay in Germany and explore employment opportunities without the constraints of a permanent job contract. Under the new system, skilled foreign nationals who have their overseas qualifications fully recognized are eligible to obtain the opportunity card without additional special requirements. Unlike traditional visa processes, applicants will not need to provide proof of a permanent job…