European Commission launches Action Plan on Central Mediterranean route
On 21 November, the European Commission launched a new Action Plan to regulate migration in the Central Mediterranean route. The Plan aims to “reduce irregular and unsafe migration”, regulate search and rescue operations, and reinforce solidarity amongst Member States. Among the proposed actions, the Plan foresees to boost collaboration with Tunisia, Egypt and Libya in border management, and open discussions with the International Maritime Organisation to set new rules on search and rescue. The Home Affairs Commissioner has clarified that this Action Plan does not replace the 2020 EU Pact on Migration and Asylum.
UK strikes deal with France over migration across Channel
The UK government has struck an agreement with France in a bid to stop migrants crossing the English Channel. The deal foresees that the two countries collaborate more closely on policing and that the UK increase payments to France to step up surveillance at French ports and beaches. The two governments have also agreed to improve information sharing and invest in reception and removal centres in France to discourage migrants from attempting to cross the Channel.
Migrants found handcuffed and injured in Lesvos, Greece
In October, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) found three migrants tightly handcuffed and four injured, reportedly from beatings, on the Greek island of Lesvos. The victims and other migrants were approached by around 8 people who claimed to be doctors and proceeded to beat and handcuff them. MSF teams have collected similar testimonies of violence occurring when people arrive on Lesvos and Samos islands to seek safety after a traumatic journey.
European Commission launches Action Plan on Central Mediterranean route
On 21 November, the European Commission launched a new Action Plan to regulate migration in the Central Mediterranean route. The Plan aims to “reduce irregular and unsafe migration”, regulate search and rescue operations, and reinforce solidarity amongst Member States. Among the proposed actions, the Plan foresees to boost collaboration with Tunisia, Egypt and Libya in border management, and open discussions with the International Maritime Organisation to set new rules on search and rescue. The Home Affairs Commissioner has clarified that this Action Plan does not replace the 2020 EU Pact on Migration and Asylum.
UK strikes deal with France over migration across Channel
The UK government has struck an agreement with France in a bid to stop migrants crossing the English Channel. The deal foresees that the two countries collaborate more closely on policing and that the UK increase payments to France to step up surveillance at French ports and beaches. The two governments have also agreed to improve information sharing and invest in reception and removal centres in France to discourage migrants from attempting to cross the Channel.
Migrants found handcuffed and injured in Lesvos, Greece
In October, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) found three migrants tightly handcuffed and four injured, reportedly from beatings, on the Greek island of Lesvos. The victims and other migrants were approached by around 8 people who claimed to be doctors and proceeded to beat and handcuff them. MSF teams have collected similar testimonies of violence occurring when people arrive on Lesvos and Samos islands to seek safety after a traumatic journey.