Author: RACHAEL ADEEGBE

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has launched its second annual Ramadan campaign, “Share the Blessings,” expanding the Islamic Philanthropy Fund (IPF) to reach migrants and displaced families affected by crises worldwide. Building on last year’s initiatives in Sudan, the campaign now covers multiple emergency contexts, addressing urgent humanitarian needs caused by conflict, climate shocks, and displacement. Mohammed Abdiker, IOM Chief of Staff and Chair of the IPF Advisory Body, highlighted the Fund’s mission: “At its heart, the IPF is about compassion, solidarity, and our shared responsibility to care for one another. Through the Fund, we make it possible for…

Authorities in Cyprus have stepped up migration enforcement efforts through a series of police raids, arrests, and deportations, as the island nation seeks to tighten control over irregular migration while holding the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union. Since mid-December, officials say more than 160 people have been removed directly from detention centres and prisons, alongside nearly 480 voluntary departures. Reports from local media indicate that targeted operations continued through January and February, with police conducting checks aimed at identifying undocumented migrants. According to coverage by Cyprus Mail, at least nine people were arrested during a February…

The government of the United Kingdom is set to compensate dozens of migrants after a court found that the confiscation of their mobile phones upon arrival was unlawful. The decision follows a ruling by the High Court of England and Wales that a blanket policy used in 2020 violated migrants’ privacy and human rights. The Home Office confirmed that payments would be made, with reports suggesting that each affected person could receive around £6,587 in compensation. However, officials have not confirmed how many migrants are eligible or whether further claims may still be processed. The case stems from a policy…

A major legal decision in Quebec has resulted in a $2.1 million settlement for hundreds of migrant workers who were allegedly misled into working without valid permits. The ruling by the Superior Court of Quebec approved compensation and imposed compliance obligations on companies involved in what was described as a fraudulent recruitment scheme. Justice Catherine Piché approved the agreement, calling the case unusual because it involved workers who were induced to work under the false promise of obtaining valid work permits in Canada. The settlement was deemed fair, reasonable, and in the best interests of class members. The class action…

A new health orientation center has been opened in the northeastern port city of Trieste to support migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and residents in accessing healthcare services. The initiative was launched by Médecins Sans Frontières in partnership with Donk Humanitarian Medicine to reduce barriers to treatment and improve access to Italy’s public health system. The center aims to help people navigate the national health service in Italy, offering guidance on how to register for healthcare, book specialist appointments, and obtain necessary documents. It also strengthens existing services already provided locally, including psychological support and night reception for migrants who need…

A new report has raised alarm over the situation of migrants in Libya, warning that many — including young girls — face extreme violence such as rape, torture, killings, and forced labour. The findings were released by the UN Human Rights Office together with the United Nations Support Mission in Libya, which called for a temporary halt to returning migrants to the country until proper human rights protections are in place. According to the report, criminal trafficking networks — sometimes linked to armed groups and other actors — are rounding up migrants, separating families, and placing people in detention without…

A new political debate has emerged in Italy over plans to open a migrant repatriation detention center, known as a CPR, in the north-eastern region of Emilia-Romagna. The proposal has created divisions within the center-left coalition, with regional leaders and local authorities taking opposing positions on whether such a facility should be established. Regional President Michele de Pascale said he is open to discussing the project if the national government requests cooperation, especially to improve the expulsion of individuals considered socially dangerous. He argued that the political left must present practical solutions on security rather than leaving the debate entirely…

Human rights organisations have raised serious concerns over new migration and deportation rules proposed by the European Union, warning that the measures could lead to enforcement practices similar to those used by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the United States. In a joint statement, 88 groups said the proposals could turn everyday spaces into tools for immigration control by requiring authorities to identify undocumented migrants more aggressively. The warning was highlighted in a statement coordinated by Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants, which said the planned rules on returns could expand surveillance and enforcement across member states. According…

Nine humanitarian organisations have strongly criticised a new migration bill approved by the government of Italy, warning that the measures could make rescue work harder and put more lives at risk in the Mediterranean. In an open letter, the groups said the bill shows a clear attempt to push humanitarian ships away from search and rescue missions, adding that it follows earlier restrictive policies that already limited their operations. The NGOs involved include Médecins Sans Frontières, Sea-Watch, SOS Méditerranée, Open Arms, Emergency, Mediterranea Saving Humans, SOS Humanity, ResQ People Saving People, and Alarm Phone. These organisations play a major role…

A prolonged standoff in the U.S. Congress over immigration enforcement funding is set to trigger a partial government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), as lawmakers remain divided over the future of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Unless an agreement is reached before midnight Friday, portions of DHS will face a lapse in funding beginning Saturday. The impasse follows mounting political tensions after two fatal shootings in Minneapolis in January, in which U.S. citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti were shot and killed by federal agents during protests against immigration operations. “For weeks, we’ve been pushing commonsense reforms,”…