Author: Editorial Team
On June 26, Judge Antonio Albenzio of the Civil Court of Crotone annulled the administrative detention of the sea rescue ship Humanity 1, operated by the German NGO SOS Humanity. The judge also ordered Italian authorities to pay the NGO’s legal fees amounting to 14,000 euros. The administrative detention, initially imposed on March 4, 2024, after Humanity 1 rescued 77 migrants in the Mediterranean, was lifted following an appeal by SOS Humanity. The rescue ship’s crew had ignored instructions from the Libyan Coast Guard, which was cited as the reason for the detention. The judge’s ruling emphasized that Libya could…
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On June 25, 2024, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen sent a letter to EU leaders outlining a strategy for managing migration over the coming years. While the letter highlights measures to strengthen border security, streamline asylum procedures, and foster international cooperation, it has also sparked significant criticism for perpetuating a fundamentally flawed approach to migration. Critics argue that von der Leyen’s strategy continues to rely heavily on externalizing migration control, forming deals with non-EU countries to reduce migration flows in exchange for financial incentives. Michele LeVoy, Director of PICUM, aptly summarizes the humanitarian concerns: “This letter shows how…
The death of Satnam Singh, a 31-year-old Indian migrant worker in Italy, has shocked the nation and highlighted the urgent need for reforms in laws and protection systems for refugees and migrant workers in the country. On June 17, Singh was severely injured while working on a farm near Latina, southeast of Rome. His right hand was severed by a plastic packaging machine, and his lower limbs were crushed. Instead of receiving immediate medical attention, Singh was loaded into a van and dropped off near his home. His severed arm was later found in a vegetable collection box. Despite efforts…
World Refugee Day, observed annually on June 20th, is an international day organized by the United Nations to honor refugees around the globe. Established on June 20, 2001, in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, this day celebrates the strength, courage, and resilience of millions of refugees who have been forced to flee their home countries due to conflict, persecution, and violence. Understanding the Refugee SituationA refugee is an individual who leaves their country due to war, conflict, persecution, or violence. Many refugees undertake perilous journeys, often leaving behind everything they…
The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has mandated Hungary to pay a substantial fine of €200 million for failing to uphold asylum seekers’ rights, marking an “unprecedented” violation of EU laws. Additionally, Budapest faces a daily penalty of €1 million until it aligns with EU asylum policies. In a critical ruling issued on Thursday, the Luxembourg-based court highlighted Hungary’s “deliberate evasion” of EU regulations, labeling it a “significant threat” to EU law unity and member state equality. This penalty exceeds the European Commission’s initial request, citing “aggravating circumstances” due to Hungary’s repeated non-compliance. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán denounced the…
In a significant appeal to the European Union, more than 130 civil society organizations have called for a long-term approach to the protection of people displaced by the war in Ukraine. This comes as the EU Council decided on 13 June to extend temporary protection for these individuals until March 2026. Temporary protection, as outlined in the EU Temporary Protection Directive, currently allows millions of displaced people to reside, work, study, and access healthcare and social protection within the EU. However, the reliance on one-year renewals, dependent on the EU Council’s decisions, leaves many in uncertainty about their future. Laetitia…
In the wake of the EU election results, the Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants (PICUM) and other rights groups are urging politicians to stand firm against the rising influence of the extreme right, which poses a significant threat to human rights and the rule of law in Europe. Michele Levoy, Director of PICUM, voiced a call to action: “We refuse to accept a cynical EU that undermines its own values and interests by funding regimes that harm people seeking safety and opportunity and takes resources away from social investment and pours them into border management. Together we must…
The play “If Only” has been awarded the Best Director award by the jury of the 37th International Suitcase Theater Festival. Directed by Rachel Karafistan, “If Only” tells the stories of eleven girls from Herat online school who live under the restrictive regime of the Taliban. Karafistan explains that these girls contributed to the performance by sharing their dreams, experiences, and memories through drawings, short films, and various texts. Angela Ghayour from Herat Online School, who collaborated in the production of this theater, says that the show highlights the deprivations and resistance of Afghan women and draws the attention of…
On Saturday, June 8, Afghans residing in Frankfurt, Germany, gathered to condemn the recent attack by an Afghan youth on a right-wing anti-Islamist rally in Mannheim. Organized by the Afghan community, the rally drew diverse participants from various age and social groups who expressed their sympathy for the family of the police victim and firmly rejected extremist actions. The attendees emphasized that the actions of one individual do not represent the entire Afghan community, which has consistently endeavored to contribute positively to German society. They also voiced concerns over the rising tide of anti-Afghan sentiment and urged the protection of…