Author: RACHAEL ADEEGBE
Tunisia is facing growing criticism from civil society groups over its silence on a mounting humanitarian crisis involving the deaths of migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea. The Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights (FTDES) has condemned what it describes as a “conspiracy of silence” by national authorities in response to the recent discovery of dozens of migrant bodies along the coastal areas of Sfax and Mahdia. FTDES spokesperson Romdhane Ben Amor voiced his concerns during an interview on Express FM, accusing the Tunisian government of failing to address or even acknowledge the worsening migrant crisis. He said…
Migrant workers across the world have sent an unprecedented $685 billion in remittances to their families in low- and middle-income countries in 2024, according to the United Nations’ International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). The announcement came during the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the International Day of Family Remittances, which highlights the critical impact of these funds on global poverty alleviation and rural development. In a statement marking the occasion, IFAD President Alvaro Lario acknowledged the role of 200 million migrant workers who send money home to support an estimated 800 million family members. He emphasized that these…
The UK government is preparing to impose visa restrictions on countries that refuse to sign migrant return agreements, according to Prime Minister Keir Starmer. This new approach is part of a broader strategy to reduce net migration and improve enforcement on migrant returns. Speaking at the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Kananaskis, Canada, Starmer said the UK must take stronger action to ensure that individuals who have no legal right to remain in Britain are returned to their countries of origin. At the summit, Starmer discussed the issue with leaders from France, Italy, and Germany. Their conversation focused on…
Mauritanian authorities have dismantled a major migrant smuggling and forgery ring in the capital, Nouakchott, following a successful overnight operation by the country’s anti-trafficking police unit. The raid, carried out between Sunday night and early Monday morning, led to the arrest of six individuals and the seizure of dozens of forged documents and equipment. The police confirmed that those arrested include four Mauritanian nationals and two foreign citizens. They were reportedly involved in producing fake visas and passports sold to migrants planning to cross into Europe, with each forged document costing between €1,700 and €2,000. During the operation, law enforcement…
Across the United States, migrant workers are living in constant fear as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) steps up workplace raids under President Donald Trump’s intensified immigration policies. Despite fears of deportation, these workers often have no choice but to show up for work. For many, staying home isn’t an option—they have rent to pay, children to feed, and families to support. One chilling example unfolded on June 10 in Oxnard, California, when ICE agents were seen chasing farmworkers through fields, even tackling some to the ground. Video footage captured by CNN affiliate KABC shows agents storming the farmland, sending…
In a dramatic turn of events, over 900 migrants crossed the English Channel to the UK in small boats on Friday, June 13, marking one of the highest daily totals so far this year. At the same time, disturbing scenes unfolded on the French coast, where police officers were seen firing tear gas and using pepper spray to disperse migrant families preparing to board dinghies near Gravelines, close to Calais. According to data released by the UK Home Office, a total of 919 individuals arrived in 14 small boats, pushing the provisional total for the year to 16,183. This figure…
In a major move to boost coastal security, the Kozhikode district administration and the Fisheries Department have introduced a new regulation requiring all migrant fishers and allied workers to possess valid identity cards. This decision, which will be strictly enforced after the ongoing 52-day trawling ban, is aimed at improving harbour safety, identifying individuals, and ensuring better control over illegal activities. Authorities say the decision comes in response to growing concerns over unauthorised entries and potential involvement of certain migrants in illegal trade activities. During recent meetings of the Harbour Management Society, the District Collector underlined the need for heightened…
US President Donald Trump has directed federal agencies to carry out what he called the “largest mass deportation programme in American history.” The controversial order, announced in a post on Truth Social, targets major cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York, where protests against immigration raids and federal enforcement have continued to grow. Trump instructed agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), to commit all available resources to this effort, reinforcing his administration’s tough stance on immigration ahead of the upcoming election season. In his post, Trump declared, “You have my unwavering support.…
Two Sudanese migrants were killed and five others injured in two separate shootings at overcrowded migrant camps near Dunkirk, northern France. The tragic events occurred over the weekend of June 14–15, raising serious concerns among humanitarian organizations about safety and conditions in these camps. French police confirmed the deaths and said all the victims were of Sudanese origin. The victims were staying at a makeshift camp in Loon Plage, an area outside Dunkirk that is home to thousands of migrants trying to reach the United Kingdom. According to French police and Agence France Presse (AFP), the first fatal shooting happened on…
For the first time, Portugal will host Refugee Week, a special arts and culture festival running from June 16 to 22. The week-long celebration aims to honour and highlight the contributions of migrant and refugee communities across the country, while promoting inclusion, creativity, and unity. The event was co-founded by two artists—Carlota, from Porto, and MoYah, a rapper and activist originally from Mozambique. Inspired by the success of Refugee Week in the United Kingdom, where MoYah now lives, they decided it was time for Portugal to have its version of the festival. Refugee Week is already known as the world’s…