Author: RACHAEL ADEEGBE
Amidst heightened concerns over racism, a survey conducted by the Italian chapter of the health development NGO Amref, in collaboration with Ipsos, sheds light on prevailing attitudes towards Africans in Italy. The ‘Africa and Health: The Opinion of Italians’ survey unveils startling insights into the perception of racism and integration challenges within Italian society. According to the findings of the survey, a staggering seven out of ten Italians believe that individuals of African descent in Italy are either frequently (22% of respondents) or quite often (48%) subjected to racism and discrimination. Carried out in October 2023 on a sample of…
The police commissioner of Imperia, Giuseppe Felice Peritore, announced on March 20 a notable decrease in migrant flows in Ventimiglia, a city situated on the border of Italy and France within Liguria. Speaking during the presentation of Operation ‘Safe Streets’, Peritore highlighted the effectiveness of intensified security measures in the area. Peritore disclosed that the number of migrants registered in Ventimiglia has significantly reduced. He attributed the decline to the implementation of Operation ‘Safe Streets’, which involves the deployment of an additional 15 army personnel in the city. “Sixty presences were monitored as of today in the territory of Ventimiglia,”…
A study conducted by the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW) indicates that extending the waiting period for asylum seekers to access healthcare benefits in Germany, introduced through new legislation in February, does not reduce societal costs. Contrary to policymakers’ expectations, elongating the waiting period from approximately 18 to 36 months is unlikely to curb expenses. The motive behind this legislative change was to diminish the appeal of Germany to potential asylum seekers and withhold full benefits until individuals have contributed to the public health system. However, the DIW’s study, released on March 20, challenges the effectiveness of this strategy.…
The European Union’s recent agreement with Egypt, valued at 7.4 billion euros, has drawn sharp criticism from the EU rights watchdog, raising concerns about potential human rights violations. This pact, primarily aimed at curtailing migrant flows into Europe, has ignited fears over the compromise of fundamental rights. Pressure is mounting on the European Commission to prioritize human rights considerations in its dealings with partner countries, especially those involving measures to deter irregular migration. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen sealed the deal in Cairo, allocating 200 million euros specifically for migration management. However, similar agreements with countries like Mauritania, Tunisia,…
Faced with ongoing migration challenges, European countries are once again constructing border fences, evoking memories of past divisions and igniting fierce debates. The trend reflects a broader phenomenon of governments grappling with migration policy decisions amid geopolitical shifts and escalating crises. Amidst the backdrop of the Afghan crisis and economic turmoil, the journey of migrants seeking refuge in Europe has encountered formidable barriers, both physical and political. The proliferation of border fences, reminiscent of the Cold War era, symbolizes a shift towards containment measures rather than comprehensive solutions to address migration flows. Experts argue that while border fences may offer…
The United Kingdom’s latest Rwanda bill, the Safety of Rwanda Bill, continues to face significant delays and setbacks in Parliament. As a result, the anticipated vote on the bill will not occur until after the Easter break. Under new immigration laws, this legislation seeks to designate Rwanda as a “safe third country” for deportation purposes. Its primary objective is to dissuade migration through unsafe routes and reduce the grounds for asylum seekers to appeal against deportation. The delays stem from ongoing disagreements and debates between the House of Lords and the House of Commons regarding proposed amendments to the bill.…
The latest report from the National Audit Office (NAO) unveils staggering escalations in the UK government’s expenditure on asylum seeker accommodation, contradicting pledges to streamline costs and transition to more cost-effective alternatives. Despite efforts to curtail expenses and explore innovative housing solutions, the financial burden continues to mount, sparking criticism and calls for reform. The audit, released on March 20, scrutinizes the government’s approach to asylum seeker accommodation, particularly focusing on large-scale sites such as barges and former military bases. Contrary to initial projections, these initiatives have incurred substantial costs, with expenditures soaring by as much as £46 million compared…
In Lebanon, a contentious media blitz targeting Syrian refugees has set off a firestorm of criticism amidst the nation’s dire economic crisis. The campaign, spearheaded by Lebanese television network Mtv and the Chamber of Commerce, Agriculture, and Industry of Lebanon, has drawn sharp rebuke for allegedly stoking hatred towards Syrian refugees, who have sought refuge in Lebanon since the outbreak of conflict in Syria in 2011. The controversial ads, prominently displayed on billboards and aired on television, suggest that Syrians make up a significant proportion of Lebanon’s population, overshadowing Lebanese citizens. Tensions have flared as the campaign, named ‘Undo the…
In Germany, a contentious debate brews over the imposition of mandatory work on asylum seekers, with proponents lauding it as a step toward integration and detractors condemning it as discriminatory. The Saale-Orla district in Thuringia has become the focal point of this discussion, where asylum seekers are mandated to engage in various tasks like street sweeping and hedge trimming for up to four hours daily, earning a meager allowance. Refusal to participate results in cuts to financial support, igniting a clash of opinions on such a policy’s ethical and practical implications. The move, labeled ‘Arbeitspflicht’ or work obligation, has ignited…
French authorities have declined visa applications from relatives of individuals who lost their lives in a tragic shipwreck in the Channel back in November 2021. Despite being summoned to testify in a French inquiry regarding the incident, these individuals, who are relatives of shipwreck victims, were denied visas, leading to considerable controversy. The shipwreck, which occurred on November 24, 2021, marked the deadliest single loss of life in the Channel involving a migrant boat since the increased frequency of crossings began in 2018. Of the 27 individuals who perished, four families are now facing additional hurdles in seeking justice for…