European Court of Justice Advocate’s advice urges member states to issue humanitarian visas
9 Feb 2017

European Court of Justice Advocate’s advice urges member states to issue humanitarian visas

by | posted in: European Politics, Migration, Refugees in the EU | 0

Advocate General Mengozzi of the European Court of Justice announced in a press release yesterday, 7 February 2017, that “Members States must issue a visa on humanitarian grounds where substantial grounds have been shown for believing that a refusal would place persons seeking international protection at risk of torture or inhuman or degrading treatment.”

The advocate’s opinion further states that “it is irrelevant whether or not there are ties between the person concerned and the requested Member State.”

UNHCR, IOM and MSF urge the EU not to see Libya as safe
3 Feb 2017

UNHCR, IOM and MSF urge the EU not to see Libya as safe

by | posted in: European Union, Libya, Mediterranean Sea, Migration, Refugees in the EU, United Nations | 0

Friday 3 February, European leaders meet at the informal summit in Valletta, Malta, to discuss migration. The meeting is focused specifically on halting migration along the Central Mediterranean Route, with Libya as its focal point. In a joint statement, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) urging the EU to not consider Libya a safe third country. The humanitarian organisation Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) warned the EU about an inhumane approach to migration.

European Commission seeks to stop migration flows from Libya
26 Jan 2017

European Commission seeks to stop migration flows from Libya

by | posted in: Africa, Horn of Africa region, Libya, Mediterranean Sea, Migration, Refugees in the EU | 0

On Wednesday 25 January, the European Commission revealed its strategy for blocking the migration flows along the Central Mediterranean Route, especially around Libya. The short-term measurements are intended to significantly reduce crossings before this summer. The measurements include additional support to the Libyan coast guard, strengthening border authorities in North African countries and increasing returns.