Possible violation of Principle of Non-refoulement: refugees send back to Libya where war continues
17 Jan 2020

Possible violation of Principle of Non-refoulement: refugees send back to Libya where war continues

by | posted in: European Union, Libya, Médecins Sans Frontières, Mediterranean Sea, Refugees in the EU, Trafficking | 0

Since April 2019, Libya has been the center of a military conflict between several military groups. The fights between the main opposing groups, the Libyan National Army (LNA) and the Government of National Accord (GNA) severely affect the inhabitants of Libya. The fighting has escalated in the past couple of weeks, since General Khalifa Haftar (LNA) is once more trying to seize control of Tripoli. While this affects the migrants and refugees in the country, the European Union keeps sending them back.

News highlights: Eritrean organisations urge an end to roundups in Sudan, First Global Refugee Forum launched, More countries get involved in Libya conflict
20 Dec 2019

News highlights: Eritrean organisations urge an end to roundups in Sudan, First Global Refugee Forum launched, More countries get involved in Libya conflict

by | posted in: Abiy Ahmed, Africa, Asylum Seekers, EEPA news and activities, Eritrea, Ethiopia, European Commission, European Politics, European Union, Greece, Horn of Africa region, Libya, Malta, Médecins Sans Frontières, Mediterranean Sea, Refugee Camps, Refugees in the EU, Search and Rescue Operations, South Sudan, Sudan, Switzerland, Tajoura detention centre, UNHCR, United Nations, United States, Weekly news highlights | 0

In this week’s news highlights: Eritrean organisations urge UNHCR and authorities to address roundups in Sudan; US sanctions South Sudan officials; PM Abiy Ahmed wants to work on peace with Eritrean President; Protection for human rights defenders in Ethiopia; Missing ministers in Eritrea; First Global Refugee Forum launced to improve conditions for refugees; Greece urges EU to “share the burden”; Children suicidal in Moria refugee camp, Greece; Teenagers accused of terrorism after interception at sea; Red cross argues EU should adress needs refugees and host communities instead of keeping them out; Turkey to support UN-backed government in Libya; Libyan coast guard and Europe critized by Ocean Viking coordinator; Personal experiences of conditions in Libya; And World Bank recalculates refugee data is needed.

Criminalisation of Search and Rescue Operations in the Mediterranean Sea
4 Dec 2019

Criminalisation of Search and Rescue Operations in the Mediterranean Sea

by | posted in: EEPA news and activities, European Politics, Greece, IOM, Italy, Libya, Médecins Sans Frontières, Mediterranean Sea, Operation Sophia, Search and Rescue Operations | 0

The preamble of the European Charter of Fundamental Rights, an instrument applicable to all member states of the European Union (EU) when implementing EU law, holds that “the Union is founded on the indivisible, universal values of human dignity, freedom, equality and solidarity,” centralising the idea that EU member states must protect human life. Yet, several Southern European Member States have criminalised search and rescue (SAR) operations in the Mediterranean Sea and charged the rescue operations with the criminal act of smuggling. Therefore, the operators face years in prison if convicted. At the same time, the EU has closed down its own SAR operations, relying on its deals with the Libyan coast guard to intercept boats.