News Highlights: UNHCR’s operation in Libya investigated, Operation Sophia extended, First evacuations from Libya to Rwanda

In this week’s news highlights: UNHCR in Libya accused of neglect and mismanagement in 4-part investigation; First group of people evacuated from Libya to Rwanda; Returnees flee after arrival in Libya; IOM urges closure of Tajoura detention centre; New Country of Origin Information on Eritrea confirms no change in human rights; RSF accused of pressuring the European Union; Bad conditions at Shagarab Camp in Sudan; Belgian and Eritrean Catholic Church representatives meet in Belgium; Three Jehovah’s Witnesses imprisoned for 25 years in Eritrea; Operation Sophia continues for an additional six months; Two people die in a fire at Greek refugee camp; Greece calls for help from other EU member states and Frontex; and Germany strengthens random checks at borders.

LIBE committee discusses the obligations of the European Union in Search and Rescue operations in the Mediterranean Sea

In the light of last week’s agreement on a new, temporary relocation system, the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) in the European Parliament organised a hearing on October 3rd on the topic of ‘Search and Rescue in the Mediterranean Sea’. The debate touched upon core issues of the EU’s obligation, both legally and morally, to rescue people at sea. The debate precedes a renewed member state discussion about refugee relocation on 8 October.

News Highlights: IGAD discusses migration, 5 EU interior ministers agree on temporary relocation system, new migration routes in Tunisia difficult to detect

In this week’s news highlights: Seven East-African Ministers lament shrinking of protection for refugees worldwide; EU should pressure Eritrea, states commentary; Water shortage in Asmara; Military cooperation Ethiopia and United Arab Emirates advances; IOM to assist in improving Ethiopia and South Sudan migration policies; Ethiopia and Somalia among African countries with most internally displaced people; 5 European interior ministers create new relocation policy; Eritrean diaspora Yiakl movement protests against regime; Right-wing movement patrolling UK beaches; CEO of IRC argues that the EU should send signal of solidarity; Tunisia boat departures may be harder to detect; Migrant shot by Libyan coast guard; and the UN General Assembly on Libya.