Spain: Exponential Increase in Arrivals in the Canary Islands, Capacity Stretched, Intense Rescue Activity in Spanish Waters

9th October 2020 | News

According to the Ministry of Interior more than 6,000 people have arrived in the Canary Islands in 2020, which is an increase of more than 500 per cent compared to the same period of 2019. While admitting reception capacity in the Canary Islands is insufficient,...

Balkan Route: Thousands Stuck at External EU Borders Face Destitution and Violence from Locals and Those Keeping the Gate Closed

2nd October 2020 | News

Local authorities in Krajina emptied a reception centre and restrict access to others, despite available capacity, leaving more than 2,500 people without shelter. New attacks by local residents towards people on the move occurred in Velika Kladuša municipality. In...

Balkans: Continued Pushbacks and the Formation of a Paramilitary Practice at the Southern Borders

25th September 2020 | News

The Border Violence Monitoring Network (BVMN) published its monthly report for August, highlighting 34 cases of illegal pushbacks. The report compiles the experience of 692 people whose rights were violated at the EU’s external border. In reality, this number might be...

Med: New Stand-off Developing as Survivors From the Etienne Have Finally Disembarked

18th September 2020 | News

A new stand-off is developing as Maltese authorities refuse to allow 278 survivors aboard the Spanish search and rescue vessel Open Arms to disembark. On 13 September the longest stand-off in recent European maritime history ended, as 27 people rescued in the Maltese...

Spain: Surge in Arrivals via the Atlantic Route, Devastating Conditions in Melilla Continue, People Rescued South of Granada

11th September 2020 | News

Arrivals in the Canary Islands surge, reflecting a shift towards the Atlantic route with improvised accommodation facilities not meeting basic standards. Reception conditions in Melilla continue to be devastating and are criticised by Council of Europe’s Commissioner...