Pan African Parliament tackles the topic of human trafficking in special session day

At its second ordinary session in South Africa, the Pan African Parliament (PAP) dedicated a session day to the Theme of the Year 2019: “The Year of Refugees, Returnees and Internally Displaced Persons: Towards Durable Solutions to Forced Displacement in Africa”. The theme day included presentations and debate on the situations of displacement in Africa and the 1969 Organisation of African Unity (OAU) Refugee Convention, the Kampala Convention and the Global Compact on Refugees. In addition, speakers presented and debated on Regional Perspectives (Regional Econonomic Communities) and Programmes on Refugees, Returnees, Internally Displaced Persons and Statelessness. Human trafficking and its facilitation by technology was discussed.

News Highlights: Refugees killed in Libya detention centre attack, Organisations sue France for Libya coast guard aid, meeting calls for democratic change in Eritrea

In this week’s news highlights: Detention centre shooting kills at least three migrants and refugees in Tripoli; 325 migrants and refugees evacuated from the Tripoli detention centre to other prison; Sudanese people continue protests as three military council leaders step down; Former UN Secretary General Africa Representative calls for democratic change in Eritrea; Eritrea can follow example of Sudanese revolution; Somalian and Eritrean Presidents meet in Asmara; South Sudan President calls on leader Riek Machar to return to the negotiation table; Correction issued on news of Eritreans called to hand over IDs; 8 organisations sue France for assistance of Libyan coast guard, increasing the legal challenges to the EU; Migrants try to find hope and solace in Greece’s Moria Camp; and European Parliament passed legislation to strengthen Frontex.

News Highlights: Calls for civilian transitional government in Sudan, Libyan fighting traps refugees, Eritreans instructed to hand over IDs

In this week’s news highlights:  Protest leaders call for forming interim civilian ruling council in Sudan; UNSC asked to support Sudanese protestors; Human rights abuses in Eritrea continue, says report; Eritreans are called to handover their ID cards by presidential order; Ethiopia’s revised refugee law comes into force; Thousands of refugees and migrants trapped in Libyan detention centers amid ongoing fighting; Organizations call for immediate release of migrants and refugees from Libyan detention centers; Italian interior minister signs another directive against NGO rescue missions; German Chancellor warns of escalating violence in Libya; Tear gas used as clashes break out in migrant and refugee camps in Greece; and a Greek Coastguard vessel  returns boat with 35 refugees on board back to Turkey.