#Ride4Justice – a unique demonstration demands EU action on refugees stuck in Libya

From May 1st to 5th, Eritrean refugees cycled from Frankfurt to Brussels, for 452 kilometers. The ‘Ride4Justice’  started from Frankfurt, Koblenz, Köln, Aachen from there to Maastricht and finally to Brussels, to raise awareness about the inhumane conditions that refugees and migrants in Libya are trapped in. Torture, lack of food, water, and other abuse takes place in human trafficking warehouses and official detention centres alike. The cyclists arrived Sunday evening at the Maximilian Park in Brussels after the five-day bike ride. On Monday, hundreds joined them to take part in a demonstration in front of the European Commission buildings at Rond-Point Schuman. 

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.

Report of the Roundtable – Inhumane treatment and trafficking of people in Libya: EU and EU Member States’ Responsibility

On 1 April 2019, a Roundtable entitled “Inhumane treatment and trafficking of people in Libya – The EU’s and EU Member states’ responsibility” was held from 18:30 – 20:00 in the European Parliament. The event was hosted by Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) Marie-Christine Vergiat (GUE/NGL Group) and Ana Gomes (S&D Group) together with the organisation Europe External Programme with Africa (EEPA). Speakers in this event were,among others, representatives of Médecins Sans Frontières, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, expert on human trafficking, legal experts, a journalist and human rights activists.