News highlights: UNHCR closes transit centre in Libya, EU development aid tied to returns, Foreign aircraft carried out 2019 bombing of Tajoura Center, says UN

by S. Fons
Posted on January 31, 2020January 31, 2020
Africa

In this week’s news highlights: UNHCR closes GDF facility in Libya, citing safety concerns; Foreign country involved in the attack on Tajoura detention center in Libya; And refugee and migrant women more likely to experience sexual abuse than men; EU and China projects in Eritrea criticized; Ethiopian government allegedly violates human rights over protest arrests and kidnapping inaction; New Ethiopian navy in Djibouti; Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia strenghten ties; East African countries harmonize labour migration policy; Lack of basic support for refugees in Ethiopia; Illustrated story of an Eritrean refugee; Stories of refugee children from Eritrea; EU allegedly uses development aid to secure returns; Sick children suffer in refugee camp Greece; Naval operation ‘Sophia’ might not change focus as member states disagree; And Open arms saves 237 people in the Mediterranean Sea.

UN report: UNSMIL was hindered in investigation on Tajoura detention centre attack by Libyan authorities

On July 2 2019, two airstrikes occurred in Libya’s capital of Tripoli. One hit the Tajoura Detention Centre. This attack killed 53 people and left 87 people injured. All victims were locked up in the centre at the time of the bombing. United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) shared the detailed findings of investigation into the attack and highlights several problems to be further investigated. The Department of Combatting Illegal Migration (DCIM), the Libyan organisation responsible for the Detention Center, is accused of hindering the investigation and of contributing to the amount of victims. Furthermore, it still remains unclear who is accountable for the attack on the detention centre.

by E. Berends
Posted on December 20, 2019December 20, 2019
Africa

In this last article of the year, it is time to look back at some of the events of the past year in the context of forced movement along the Central Mediterranean Route. In 2019, approximately 1,246 people died in the Mediterranean Sea, and even more on land, during their journey to safety. It was a year in which the European Union secured and externalised its borders, making it harder for asylum seekers to enter Europe. It was also another year in which migrants and refugees in Libya were facing inhumane conditions that continue to be unaddressed. Responsibility sharing was a main topic of discussion among EU member states. In addition, a new relocation system was put in place, Salvini made his exit as Italian deputy Prime Minister, and the criminalization of rescue operations in the Mediterranean Sea did not stop NGOs from saving lives.