AYS News Digest 30/10/23: EU to provide more boats for criminal coast guard, while people die aboard SAR vessels
Puzzle of the EU’s intentions in practice — Germany strengthens promises for easier “repatriations”, Spain provides equipment to make them easier, and von der Leyen promises more vessels and support to coast guards in Libya and Tunisia, the school examples of human rights violations / and more news
In the letter to the European Council the European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen highlighted the provision of vessels and support to coast guards in Libya and Tunisia, where refugee and migrant rights are routinely violated.
However, the Statewatch points to the fact that the letter does not mention that vessels delivered to the so-called Libyan coast guard are used to conduct “pullbacks” of refugees to brutal detention conditions and human rights violations.
Meanwhile in Tunisia, the coast guard has been conducting pullbacks of people who have subsequently been dumped in remote regions near the Tunisian-Algerian border.
See their entire analysis: EU to step up support for human rights abuses in North Africa
SEARCH AND RESCUE AT SEA (SAR)
A pregnant woman dies aboard SAR vessel
A pregnant woman on board the German migrant rescue ship Sea-Eye 4 was left fighting for her life on Friday evening (October 27) after Italian and Libyan authorities failed to respond to a medical emergency in a timely manner, the NGO Sea-Eye announced. Read more on this tragic news and pleas for further changes for people on board:
Pregnant woman fights for life on board migrant ship after Italy and Libya ignore rescue pleas
Why do people take the Mediterranean route to flee?
A new statistical study finds evidence of factors such as conflict, poverty, natural disasters and political persecution. But one thing is clear: as previous studies have shown, search and rescue at sea does not lead to more refugees, SOS Humanity points out
In the Aegean the situation has not eased for people on the move, although there is less coverage on what is going on.
At the same time, Germany is operating with a similar intent, only with different methods, aiming to curb migration and speed up deportations.
GERMANY
Repatriation of Nigerians and Moroccans part of discussions between Germany, Nigeria and Morocco
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is visiting Nigeria as part of a visit to West Africa. Part of his mission, alongside migration issues, is to agree an energy partnership to diversify Germany’s energy sources.
Talking about migration, he proposed expanding migration centers in Nigeria to support returnees from Germany. Scholz said the centers could also be used to advise skilled workers to become established in Germany.
“This requires some preparation and investment — on both sides,” Scholz said, adding that he had spoken about the issue with Nigerian President Bola Tinubu on Sunday, InfoMigrants reported.
At the same time in Morocco….
…the federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser (SPD) has called for more cooperation in Morocco on security issues as well as on migration and deportations. She and her Moroccan counterpart, Abdelouafi Laftit, signed a memorandum of understanding to this effect in the capital Rabat on Monday.
Detailed report on her visit and discussed topics in the media reports.
WORTH READING AND WATCHING
- on the concept of “distress” at sea — Lost at Sea: That time Frontex tried to redefine the notion of distress — Refugee Law Initiative Blog (sas.ac.uk)
- In this podcast, Jamila Duncan-Bosu of the Anti-Trafficking and Labour Exploitation Unit discusses how the seasonal agricultural workers scheme facilitates exploitation, the barriers to people raising complaints about their treatment, and what the government can and should be doing about it: New podcast: Exploitation of seasonal agricultural workers — Free Movement
We strive to echo correct news from the ground through collaboration and fairness. Every effort has been made to credit organisations and individuals with regard to the supply of information, video, and photo material (in cases where the source wanted to be accredited). Please notify us regarding corrections.
If there’s anything you want to share or comment, contact us through Facebook, Twitter or write to: areyousyrious@gmail.com
