European Court of Justice decision: no humanitarian visas – a loss for refugees, a win for traffickers
8 Mar 2017

European Court of Justice decision: no humanitarian visas – a loss for refugees, a win for traffickers

by | posted in: European Politics, European Union, Human Trafficking, Refugees in the EU | 0

Yesterday, 07 March 2017, the European Court of Justice ruled its decision on humanitarian visas in the European Union and came to the conclusion that member states cannot be obliged to admit asylum seekers on humanitarian grounds, even if they are at risk of torture or inhuman treatment. The court ruled on a on the case of a Syrian family of five from Aleppo. The family initially applied for a visa to Belgium at the Belgian Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon but the Belgian Immigration Office refused the visa because it was clear that the family intended to overstay it.

“EU Libya Deal is needed to protect human rights” but critics disagree
9 Feb 2017

“EU Libya Deal is needed to protect human rights” but critics disagree

by | posted in: Africa, European Politics, Human Trafficking, Libya, Mediterranean Sea | 0

At the EU Council summit in Valetta, European Union leaders agreed on a new plan to increase its cooperation with Libya in order to stem the flow of migrants coming from the North African country last week Friday, 6 February 2017.

The released declaration states that Libyan national coast guard will receive support in training and equipment. Under the second package of the SOPHIA Operation capabilities shall be enhanced and the business model of smugglers and human traffickers in Libya shall be disrupted.

Human trafficking, current migration routes, systematic torture and ill treatment on route
7 Dec 2016

Human trafficking, current migration routes, systematic torture and ill treatment on route

by | posted in: Africa, Eritrea, Human Trafficking, Migration, Torture | 0

Yesterday, on the 7 November 2016, the Open Society Foundation held a meeting on the topic “Migration and asylum: 1.000 testimonies of torture en route”. The Foundation presented new findings concerning trafficking routes and gave a thorough insight on the traumatising experiences of migrants subjected to torture during their journey.