Author: RACHAEL ADEEGBE
In a significant legal development, a Milan court has extended subsidiary protection to a 50-year-old Tunisian woman and her daughters, recognizing the severe risk they face if returned to Tunisia. The decision comes amidst concerns over potential torture and inhumane treatment due to the woman’s alleged involvement in unpaid debts, a charge vehemently denied by her. The court’s ruling sheds light on the woman’s tumultuous journey, which began with her participation in a political initiative following the Jasmine Revolution in 2011. Despite her lack of culpability, she was embroiled in a legal dispute demanding repayment of funds associated with the…
In the past 24 hours, the Italian coast guard has been actively rescuing migrants in distress in the Central Mediterranean. Two separate rescue operations resulted in 59 people being brought safely to shore, but sadly, nine individuals, including a young girl, were found dead. Adverse weather conditions made the rescues particularly challenging, with waves reaching at least 2.5 meters. One of the rescue operations took place about 30 miles southeast of Lampedusa, where the Italian coast guard retrieved 22 migrants from a boat, along with the bodies of the deceased. Despite the difficult conditions, all survivors were suffering from severe…
After eight years of negotiations, the European Parliament has approved a comprehensive reform of asylum policy in the European Union (EU). The newly approved migration pact comprises a set of interconnected laws designed to address various challenges related to migration within the bloc. One of the primary objectives of the migration pact is to reduce the number of new arrivals by implementing stricter border controls and streamlining asylum procedures. Under the new regulations, asylum-seekers and refugees entering the EU will undergo a clear identification process within seven days of arrival, whether by land, sea, or air. Their details will be…
In response to an unprecedented surge in migrant arrivals, Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides has embarked on a diplomatic mission to Lebanon to tackle the island nation’s escalating migration challenges. The visit underscores Cyprus’s determination to seek collaborative solutions to the pressing issue of migration. As reported by Kathimerini, in the first three months of 2024 alone, more than 2,000 migrants arrived in Cyprus by sea, with an additional 800 migrants reaching the island in the initial days of April. These figures represent a significant increase compared to previous years, surpassing the total arrivals for 2022 and 2023 combined. Land and…
In an unprecedented surge of migration activity, 333 migrants reached the shores of Italy’s Lampedusa island between April 4 and 5, 2024, exacerbating the strain on the island’s already overstretched and overcrowded migrant hotspot. Despite concerted efforts to alleviate the overcrowding through rapid transfers of migrants to other facilities, the migrant population at the Lampedusa hotspot soared to 1,263 individuals by April 5, 2024, as confirmed by the Agrigento prefect’s office. Among them, 157 were identified as unaccompanied minors, underscoring the vulnerability of many of the arrivals. The territorial government office initiated three transfers on April 5, 2024, to address…
On Sunday, April 7, 2024, the Tunisian coast guard announced the grim discovery of 13 migrant bodies off the coast of Tunisia, underscoring the perilous journey many undertake in hopes of reaching Europe. Simultaneously, they reported the successful rescue of 1,867 individuals in multiple operations across the Mediterranean Sea. According to Reuters, the National Guard relayed details of the recovery efforts and the extensive rescue operations, although specific incidents remained undisclosed. The surge in migration attempts along the Mediterranean, particularly between Tunisia and the Italian coast, is attributed to improving spring weather conditions, as highlighted by Reuters. Sfax, Tunisia’s second-largest…
Mediterranea Saving Humans, an Italian NGO dedicated to aiding migrants at sea, reports an alarming attack where a Libyan coast guard patrol boat fired shots. On April 4th, 2024, their vessel, Mare Jonio, came under fire from a Libyan coast guard patrol boat while conducting a rescue operation in international waters. In a statement issued shortly after the incident, Mediterranea Saving Humans described the encounter as a violent attack, alleging that Libyan coast guard members fired shots into the water and air, causing panic among the rescued individuals, some of whom ended up in the sea. Expressing grave concern, the…
The European Union is facing a severe challenge from hundreds of dangerous crime gangs, primarily involved in drug trafficking, according to a recent Europol report. These organizations, predominantly dealing in drugs like cocaine, have extended their reach into legitimate businesses such as property, construction, trucking, and nightclubs. Additionally, they pose a direct threat to the justice system by intimidating or bribing prosecutors and judges. Europol chief Catherine De Bolle emphasized the need to confront these criminal networks head-on, stressing that they can no longer hide. Authorities are committed to cracking down on these activities by mapping the criminal web and…
Europe houses many British nationals, many of whom have foreign partners and children. However, relocating to the UK for work and residence is becoming increasingly challenging for them. Securing a partner visa for the UK entails navigating some of the strictest regulations in Europe. In addition to substantial fees and healthcare surcharges, the UK’s Home Office demands that British citizens and long-term residents demonstrate a minimum income to support their foreign partners without relying on social security benefits. Until recently, the minimum income threshold stood at £18,600 (€21,700), or £22,400 (€26,100) if the couple had one child, with an additional…
The delays and obstacles faced by asylum seekers in Italy, as outlined in the International Rescue Committee report (IRC), constitute clear violations of their basic rights. These individuals are subjected to prolonged periods of uncertainty and hardship, often enduring harsh living conditions without access to essential resources such as food, water, and adequate shelter. Additionally, discrimination exacerbates their plight, further marginalizing them within society and impeding their ability to seek and obtain the protection they desperately need. Asylum seekers in Italy encounter significant delays and hurdles in submitting applications for international protection, according to a recent report by the International…