Author: RACHAEL ADEEGBE

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) released a report on March 26, revealing a concerning trend: over two-thirds of migrants who perish during their journey remain unidentified, with drowning cited as the leading cause of death. The report, part of the IOM’s ‘Missing Migrants’ project spanning from 2014 to 2023, documents more than 63,000 migrant deaths over the past decade, with a significant portion of victims still lacking identification. Highlighted in the report is the prevalence of migrant deaths originating from conflict-ridden nations like Afghanistan, Syria, Myanmar, and Ethiopia, underscoring the perilous conditions many migrants face. Drowning emerges as the…

Salwan Momika, a 37-year-old Christian Iraqi residing in Sweden, has announced his departure from the country after the Swedish government revoked his residency permit. Momika gained notoriety for his public burning and desecration of the Quran in Stockholm, citing concerns over freedom of speech in Sweden. In response to the revocation of his residency permit, Momika revealed his intention to seek asylum in Norway, where he believes he will find greater acceptance and respect. Expressing his disillusionment with the Swedish government, Momika claimed that he faced persecution from state institutions and accused Sweden of favoring asylum for individuals with extremist…

Ruvendrini Menikdiwela, the Assistant High Commissioner for Protection at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), recently concluded a visit to Mali and Togo. He commended Mali and neighboring nations for their commitment to keeping borders open to refugees fleeing conflict and persecution in the Sahel region. However, Menikdiwela warned of a looming humanitarian crisis, stressing that the region’s needs far outweigh the available resources. Despite Mali’s generosity in hosting over 1.1 million refugees and asylum seekers, the Sahel desperately needs aid, with nearly 4.8 million people displaced within the region. Menikdiwela praised Mali for providing refugees with rights…

A fire erupted at the pre-removal center for migrants (CPR) in Macomer, near Nuoro, on the night of Sunday (March 24th, 2024), prompting investigations into suspected arson. Despite the blaze, which caused substantial damage to property, all 48 occupants at the facility were safely evacuated, averting any injuries. While the fire posed potential risks to both migrants and security personnel, initial assessments indicate no lasting structural harm to the building. However, extensive damage to furnishings and internal infrastructure suggests deliberate ignition, prompting authorities to launch a thorough inquiry. Medical teams attended to migrants following the incident, ensuring their well-being amidst…

A recent poll conducted by Ipsos, encompassing almost 26,000 Europeans, sheds light on the prevailing sentiments towards the European Union’s migration policy. The findings reveal a substantial disapproval rate, with 51% of respondents expressing dissatisfaction and advocating for more robust border controls. As the European Parliament elections loom, migration remains a central theme influencing voter decisions. The survey indicates a growing discontent among Europeans regarding the handling of migration within the EU. According to the report commissioned by the European news broadcaster Euronews, most respondents perceive the EU’s migration policy negatively. Notably, 59% of participants believe that combating irregular migration…

Local mayors across rural and small-town France voice growing discontent over the relocation of migrants from Paris to their regions amid suspicions of ties to pre-Olympics preparations. Serge Grouard, mayor of Orleans, raised concerns about the unannounced arrival of hundreds of migrants in his town, suggesting a systematic effort to clear migrants from the capital ahead of the Paris Olympics in July and August. While migrants receive temporary accommodation upon arrival, subsequent support is lacking, leaving them to navigate challenges independently. The influx underscores the persistent issue of inadequate housing and support services for asylum seekers and migrants in Paris,…

In a historic move, Germany officially signed groundbreaking legislation allowing foreign residents to acquire German citizenship without renouncing their original nationality. This decision marks a significant shift towards a more inclusive and diverse society that recognizes the value of diverse cultural identities. On March 22, 2024, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier signed the long-awaited dual citizenship law, paving the way for its implementation within the next three months. The law, passed by the Bundestag in January, aims to streamline the naturalization process and attract talent worldwide by offering a pathway to German citizenship without the need to surrender one’s existing citizenship.…

In a flurry of rescue operations, Italy’s southern shores have seen an influx of over 2,000 migrants over the past several days. According to the latest Italian government data updated on March 26, 2,441 migrants have arrived by small boats since Thursday, March 21. Among them, 977 migrants landed on Saturday alone, following 513 arrivals on Thursday and 432 on Friday. The influx continued into Monday, with 380 arrivals on Sunday and 139 on Monday, marking a continuous stream of arrivals. The arrivals were facilitated by the Italian coast guard and private rescue efforts, notably the intervention of the Mare…

Government data from the German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) reveal that Germany experienced a notable increase in church asylum cases during 2023. The data, disclosed following a request for information by a representative from the Left Party in parliament, Clara Bünger, underscores the growing trend of seeking sanctuary within religious institutions amidst challenges posed by EU laws, particularly the Dublin regulation. 1,514 individuals sought church asylum in 2023, a substantial rise from 1,243 cases in 2022 and 822 cases in 2021. Despite the surge in applications, only nine individuals were granted asylum by the German state after…

As Germany gears up to host the UEFA Euro 24 football championship this summer, the country announces the implementation of additional border checks across all German borders. Germany’s Interior Minister, Nancy Faeser, revealed plans for temporary border controls to prevent potential perpetrators of violence from entering the country during the tournament. These measures will be enforced alongside existing border controls at Germany’s land borders with Poland, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, and Austria, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to ensuring security during the high-profile sporting event. The decision to extend border controls comes amidst ongoing concerns about security and migration across Europe.…