Experts state that COVID-19 and mobile money services have changed the modus operandi of criminal networks trafficking and smuggling people
2 Nov 2020

Experts state that COVID-19 and mobile money services have changed the modus operandi of criminal networks trafficking and smuggling people

by | posted in: Africa, COVID-19, Ethiopia, Horn of Africa region, Human Rights abuses, Human Trafficking, INTERPOL, Libya, Migration, mobile money services, Sudan, Trafficking | 0

A panel of experts on migration, human trafficking and smuggling, and the rise of mobile money services came together to discuss the changes they have seen emerging with the rise of COVID-19 and the growth of money mobile services within the criminal networks. However, the experts also agree that the pandemic presents a chance to reflect on the role of technology and the fight against human trafficking. The experts argue that protection should be key and that prosecution, in new and innovative ways, should focus on the quality of arrests, not quantity. Just as criminal groups take advantage of increased interconnectivity, so can the efforts taken to stop their exploitation.

News Highlights: ‘Al-Bidja’ arrested in Libya on charges of trafficking, RSF starts case against Eritrean authorities, Minors in UK held in unfit detention for days
23 Oct 2020

News Highlights: ‘Al-Bidja’ arrested in Libya on charges of trafficking, RSF starts case against Eritrean authorities, Minors in UK held in unfit detention for days

by | posted in: Africa, Asylum Seekers, COVID-19, Eritrea, Greece, Horn of Africa region, Human Trafficking, IOM, Libya, Migration, Relocation system, Sudan, Trafficking | 0

In this week’s news highlights: Eritrea’s President accused of crimes against humanity in case launched by RSF; 12 migrants found dead along Djibouti coast; UK Africa Minister worries about human rights violations in Eritrea; Eritrean refugees cross the Ethiopian border; “Al-Bidja” arrested in Libya accused of trafficking and smuggling; UNHCR restarts refugee evacuation flights from Libya; New documentary depicts difficult lives of migrants and transporters in Agadez; 15 migrants drown off Libyan coast; Croatian police accused of violence towards asylum seekers; Refugee children forced to wait long for accommodation in the UK; Greece finalises planning to build a new wall against migrants at Turkish border; Young victims of child trafficking risk of deportation when turning 18 in the UK; “Welcome event” for asylum seekers in Kent (UK); COVID-19 causes decrease in remittances in 2020; And joint statement on the new EU Pact on Migration and Asylum.

News Highlights: Floods in Sudan and Ethiopia, Libyan Prime Minister Al-Sarraj to resign, Greece denies relocation to refugees from Moria
18 Sep 2020

News Highlights: Floods in Sudan and Ethiopia, Libyan Prime Minister Al-Sarraj to resign, Greece denies relocation to refugees from Moria

by | posted in: Africa, Al-Shahaab, COVID-19, Detention, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Libya, Migration, Uncategorized, Weekly news highlights | 0

In this week’s news highlights: 27 religious prisoners released on bail in Eritrea; Heavy floods in Sudan and Ethiopia; Six killed after bomb attack in Somalia; Ethiopian refugees repatriated from Saudi detention camps; Boat capsizes in front of Libyan coast; Prime Minister of Libya Al-Sarraj to resign; Greece pledges to build a new refugee centre on Lesbos; Germany takes in 1,500 refugees, but Greece says it will not let any leave; Migrants and refugees allowed to disembark from Maersk Etienne; Health care declined for migrants on Open Arms; and Report explores the implementation of the Global Compact on Migration amidst COVID-19.