International organisations’ COVID-19 response hindered by political and xenophobic attacks, limiting aid to vulnerable groups
21 Apr 2020

International organisations’ COVID-19 response hindered by political and xenophobic attacks, limiting aid to vulnerable groups

by | posted in: Africa, Asylum Seekers, COVID-19, IOM, United Nations, United States | 0

International organisations such as the United Nations (UN) and the World Health Organization (WHO) face a storm of disinformation and blame surrounding their handling of the coronavirus pandemic. This includes xenophobic reactions from populations, but also political blame. The criticism is leading to obstacles for the organisations providing much-needed aid to vulnerable populations, particularly in areas of Africa, due to restricted funding and threats.

News highlights: Launch of IOM COVID-19 response plan in the Horn, EU countries to relocate unaccompanied minors from Greece, Ship missing in Mediterranean feared capsized
17 Apr 2020

News highlights: Launch of IOM COVID-19 response plan in the Horn, EU countries to relocate unaccompanied minors from Greece, Ship missing in Mediterranean feared capsized

by | posted in: Africa, Asylum Seekers, Belgium, Coast guards, COVID-19, Detention, Eritrea, Ethiopia, European Politics, European Union, Frontex, Germany, Greece, Horn of Africa region, IOM, Italy, Libya, Malta, Netherlands, Refugee Camps, Refugees in the EU, Relocation system, Search and Rescue Operations, The Netherlands, Unaccompanied Minors, United Nations, Weekly news highlights | 0

In this week’s news highlights: IOM launches COVID-19 response plan in the East and Horn of Africa; UN Solidarity Flights from Ethiopia; Surge of returnees to Ethiopia; Al-Fashaqa region returns to Sudanese sovereignty, says anonymous informant; Food shortage due to desert locust in the Horn; Eritrean priest wants to help migrants and refugees fleeing Libya; Stampede for food aid in Kenya; KIU adopts online education system: EU countries taking in unaccompanied minors from Greek camps; Malta urged to take in rescued migrants; Controversy around Italy’s quarantining of migrants; European states urged to allow refugee health workers to help; Belgium COVID-19 measure allows asylum seekers to work; Worries about missing migrant ship in Mediterranean; Migrants and refugees flee Tripoli’s quarantined port; And Libyan government (GNA) takes back control over three cities.

Closed borders and COVID-19, the difficulty for refugees
7 Apr 2020

Closed borders and COVID-19, the difficulty for refugees

by | posted in: Africa, Asylum Seekers, COVID-19, Detention, Doctors without Borders, Ethiopia, European Politics, European Union, Greece, Horn of Africa region, IOM, Médecins Sans Frontières, Refugee Camps, Refugees in the EU, Trauma | 0

The world’s 70 million displaced people are one of the groups most vulnerable to COVID-19 while having the least tools to combat it. With COVID-19 spreading across the globe many countries have closed their borders, including for refugees. At present, 93% of the world population lives in countries with border restrictions for non-citizens and 39% live in countries completely closed to non-citizens. Countries that have traditionally welcomed many refugees are closing their borders and reception facilities. This has resulted in uncertain and dangerous situations for refugees. Meanwhile, organizations like the World Health Organizations (WHO) question the long-term merits of closing the border.