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.

News highlights: Ethiopia to limit Eritrean refugee registration, Ethiopia elections postponed, COVID-19 hits Greek refugee camp, Commercial ships may face prosecution for Libya returns
3 Apr 2020

News highlights: Ethiopia to limit Eritrean refugee registration, Ethiopia elections postponed, COVID-19 hits Greek refugee camp, Commercial ships may face prosecution for Libya returns

by | posted in: Africa, Asylum Seekers, COVID-19, Detention, Doctors without Borders, Eritrea, Ethiopia, European Commission, European Union, Germany, Greece, Horn of Africa region, Libya, Médecins Sans Frontières, Mediterranean Sea, Migration, Norway, Operation Sophia, Refugee Camps, Refugees in the EU, Sea-Watch, United Nations, Weekly news highlights | 0

In this week’s news highlights: Ethiopia reduces Eritrean refugee registration by lifting prima facie status; Ethiopia postpones elections due to COVID-19; New Sudanese government needs international support to curb COVID-19; Uganda closes its borders to refugees; Eritrea called upon to release prisoners of conscience; First COVID-19 cases in Greek refugee camp; Cyprus pushes boat with refugees back to sea; Experts call upon the EU to revise migration policy; Hungary, Poland and Czech Republic broke EU law; EU to monitor arms-embargo Libya; Merchants ships returning refugees to Libya may be prosecuted; New NGO rescue mission in the Mediterranean; 1.600 attacks targeting refugees and asylum seekers in Germany; Germany considers asking refugee help; Stateless people could be denied healthcare; UN agencies urge protection of migrants and refugees; North Africa has most reported COVID-19 cases in Africa; Forcibly displaced people and migrants priority to curb COVID-19; And people leave big African cities due to coronavirus.

The EU’s lack of a unified voice leads to scapegoating of migrants in some countries
27 Mar 2020

The EU’s lack of a unified voice leads to scapegoating of migrants in some countries

by | posted in: COVID-19, Hungary, Italy, Schengen area, US | 0

The European Commission (EC) decided to apply a temporary restriction for non-essential travel from third countries into the European Union or in other words, closed the Schengen external borders. The EU hoped that the decision would enable the lifting of internal border controls. However, such controls have already been applied by several member states in an effort to limit the spread of the virus. Some have criticized the EU’s lack of a unified response and clear message; and some countries, like Hungary and Italy, justify their anti-migration policies by using the uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus.