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: Eritrean government arresting families, 11 women and children die off Tunisian coast; UK considers nets to stop crossing boats
16 Oct 2020

News Highlights: Eritrean government arresting families, 11 women and children die off Tunisian coast; UK considers nets to stop crossing boats

by | posted in: Eritrea, European Union, Horn of Africa region, Libya, Migration | 0

In this week’s news highlights: Financial assistance provided by IOM for returning Ethiopian migrants; Eritrean Poet receives Writer of Courage award; Families arrested by Eritrean authorities in Afar Red Sea region; Crossings from Libya and Chad to Sudan seen as most risky by people attempting to reach Khartoum; New Special Rapporteur for Eritrea selected; Migrants deported from Algeria to Niger; Boat sinks off Tunisia coast leaving 8 women and 3 children dead; Heavy rains flood Moria camp; “Alan Kurdi” ship detained again at Italian port; Sudanese asylum seeker tells his story; Italian Lampedusa hotspot full after disembarkation of 11 refugees boats; Home Office considers nets to stop migrant boats; and Over 1000 migrants and refugees land at Spanish Canary Islands.