France: Minister Refutes Cruelty of Calais Evictions, “Indirect” Expulsions of Afghans Feared, Channel Crossings and Rescues Continue

22nd October 2021 | News

France’s interior minister has publicly rebuffed a recent NGO report documenting “degrading treatment” of people on the move around Calais. Civil society groups are concerned about Dublin transfers of Afghans to other European countries, which they say may result in...

Greece: Government Want to Keep Pushback Investigation In-House, Pushbacks Continue as Reports of Refoulement from Turkey Emerges, Food Provision and Cash Assistance in Shambles

22nd October 2021 | News

The Greek government is considering tasking a transparency body with pushback investigations without including representatives of independent bodies or organisations. Systematic pushbacks from Greece continue as do reports of refoulement from Turkey. 26 NGOs urge...

Malta: Human Rights Commissioner Urges “Immediate Action” to Improve Detention Conditions, Asylum Seekers Detained at Sea Sue Government, Interior Minister Calls for Strengthened Cooperation with Libya

22nd October 2021 | News

Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Dunja Mijatović strongly urges Maltese authorities to take immediate action to improve detention conditions and avoid endangering people in distress at sea. 32 asylum seekers who were detained at sea off Malta in 2020...

Atlantic Route and Spain: More Death as Crisis, Conflict, and Failed EU Policies Drive Canary Island Crossings, Rescues and Fatalities on Western Med, NGOs Welcome Regularisation of Unaccompanied Children

22nd October 2021 | News

Dangerous journeys to the Canary Islands continue to cost lives as migratory movement on the route is driven by economic crisis, conflict and failed EU policies. More deaths, rescues and arrivals are recorded on the Western Mediterranean route. NGOs welcome reform of...

Med: 500 People Await Disembarkation, NGO Acquitted for Refusing Libya Return, Boat-Drivers Scapegoated in Italy, Tragedy off Tunisia and Empty Boats Raise Shipwreck Fears

22nd October 2021 | News

As of 22 October, over 500 people saved from drowning in the Mediterranean are still waiting to be allocated a safe port. Activists celebrate the acquittal of NGO crew members as prosecutors confirm that Libya is not a safe port for return. New analysis of cases...

Balkan Route: Tens of Thousands Pushed Back from Croatia, Evidence of Pushbacks and Border Violence in Romania Presented to UN Rights Body, “Stonewalling” of Asylum Seekers in Serbia Airport

22nd October 2021 | News

More than 30,000 pushbacks were recorded between June 2019 and September 2021 from Croatia, where testimonies reveal “excessive use of violence” and a pattern of “invasive searching” and sexual violence by police. Border Violence Monitoring Network (BVMN) has...