SIHMA Press Review for February 2025

SIHMA Press Review - 

Africa

31 January 2025

The Pinnacle Gazette

Migrants Face Brutality and Torture Amid Libya's Chaos

The recent arrests in Libya spotlight the ongoing human rights crisis affecting refugees and migrants attempting to escape conflict and human trafficking. The plight of migrants in Libya, marked by severe human rights violations such as torture and trafficking, is aggravated by strict immigration policies from European nations.

A shocking video from January 6, 2025, depicts the brutalization of Naima Jamal, a 20-year-old Ethiopian woman, highlighting the dire conditions faced by migrants. Naima, fleeing conflict in Oromia, fell victim to traffickers in Libya, where her family received distressing footage of her suffering. This incident is part of a broader pattern of violence against migrants in Libya, exacerbated by a chaotic system of resource exploitation and neglect.

Despite a reported decrease in recent arrivals to Europe, the situation for stranded migrants remains dire. Those attempting dangerous Mediterranean crossings are often intercepted and returned to Libya, where they face abuse from militias and traffickers. Recent arrests of two gang members involved in detaining and torturing 263 migrants underscore the severity of the crisis. These criminals exploited the migrants' vulnerabilities, demanding exorbitant ransoms and subjecting them to horrific conditions.

David Yambio, a spokesman for Refugees in Libya, criticized European migration policies, particularly agreements between Italy and Libya, for empowering militias instead of protecting human rights. Italy’s stringent immigration policies, including offshore asylum processing, have faced substantial backlash for undermining asylum rights and violating international law. Despite these policies, over 3,300 migrants have arrived in southern Italy since January, driven by desperation to escape dire conditions.

Libya's political instability, following the ousting of Moamer Kadhafi, has created an environment ripe for smugglers and traffickers, resulting in numerous horror stories. Migrants are caught in the violence and instability, often manipulated by criminal enterprises. Human rights organizations have likened their treatment to slavery and extortion, calling for urgent reform.

Amidst these horrors, solidarity efforts among migrant advocacy organizations offer hope for change. Activists emphasize the need for justice and humane treatment, advocating for structural changes to dismantle oppressive systems. The global community must confront these human rights abuses and support marginalized voices, paving the way for dignity and security for all individuals.

28 January 2025

Business Insider Africa

Nigerian immigration deports over 800 illegal immigrants

During a recent meeting, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Ojo, announced the deportation of illegal immigrants for various immigration infractions carried out by officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). Among those deported in August 2024 alone were 61 individuals guilty of immigration violations.

Nigeria has long struggled with border security, leading to an influx of illegal migrants, including terrorists, from neighboring countries. Retired Assistant Comptroller-General of Immigration, Sunday Fagbamigbe, revealed over 320 unmanned and illegal border routes in Nigeria. The invasion of Nigerian communities by terrorists from neighboring Niger Republic has exacerbated humanitarian crises, particularly in Sokoto State.

Despite multi-billion-naira border surveillance systems launched in 2019, illegal migration persists. Reports indicate that illegal migrants, including bandits, terrorists, and kidnappers, continue to cross into Nigeria from countries like Benin, Chad, Niger, Mali, and Cameroon. Investigations revealed daily crossings of illegal migrants in Kwara State’s Baruten Local Government Area and the infiltration of terror groups in Sokoto State forests.

Nigeria has been deporting illegal immigrants over the years, targeting individuals who entered the country unlawfully. In 2015, the Jigawa State Commandant of NIS deported over 200 illegal Nigerien migrants within six months. During former President Muhammadu Buhari's administration, 36 Indian nationals and two from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea were deported for using fake visas and failing to regularize their stay.

 24 January 2025

Arab Centre Washington DC

Egypt’s Policies and Rhetoric Target Sudanese Refugees

The ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has indeed created a dire humanitarian crisis. The displacement of over 12 million people, with many seeking refuge in Egypt, highlights the severity of the situation. Egypt's response, including restrictions on entry and residency, has only exacerbated the challenges faced by Sudanese refugees.

It's heartbreaking to see how this conflict has disrupted the lives of so many, including students and academics who are struggling to continue their education under these difficult circumstances. The economic challenges in Egypt, compounded by the devaluation of the Egyptian pound, have made life even harder for those who have fled the violence.

25 January 2025

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Geneva

Displaced Families in DR Congo Face Daily Struggle for Survival

Odette, a 44-year-old woman from Saké, and her family of 11 are among the thousands who have fled their homes due to renewed violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). They arrived at the Lushagala Extension displacement site outside Goma, which hosts over 36,500 families displaced from Masisi territory.

The ongoing conflict in the DRC has displaced over 6.4 million people within the country, adding strain to limited resources. In the first half of 2024 alone, nearly a million people were displaced. Many displaced individuals face security risks, insufficient food, shelter, and healthcare, compounded by soaring food prices and epidemics.

Women and girls are particularly vulnerable, with a significant increase in gender-based violence. Reports indicate that sexual violence and survival sex work are common among those fleeing conflict.

Odette, supported by a small-business promotion scheme from UNHCR, owns a modest shop to provide for her family. Similarly, Mwamini, who trekked 93 kilometers to safety with her children, remains anxious about their future and immediate needs for food and shelter.

The UN Refugee Agency and other organizations strive to meet the essential needs of displaced people, but efforts are hindered by a shortage of funds. Many displaced individuals, like Mwamini and Odette, dream of a lasting peace that would allow them to return home and rebuild their lives.

 

22 January 2025

Aljazeera

Over a million people flee to South Sudan as Sudan conflict grinds on: UN

The situation in Sudan is truly heartbreaking. Over a million people have fled the conflict, seeking refuge in South Sudan, which has put immense pressure on the already strained resources of the host communities. The war between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) has led to widespread devastation, with tens of thousands of lives lost and millions facing severe hunger.

The UN-backed Famine Review Committee has confirmed famine conditions in several areas, including the largest displacement camp, Zamzam, in North Darfur. The humanitarian crisis is escalating, and there is an urgent need for international support to provide aid and relief to those affected. It's a dire situation, and the generosity of the South Sudanese people in welcoming those in need is truly remarkable. However, as Sanaa Abdalla Omer from the UNHCR pointed out, they cannot shoulder this massive responsibility alone. The international community must step up to provide more support for both the displaced people and the host communities

 International 

31 January 2025

BBC

How many people cross the Channel in small boats and how many claim asylum?

● Channel Crossings: Almost 37,000 people crossed the English Channel in small boats in 2024. Since 2018, over 150,000 people have made this dangerous journey.

● Deaths and Dangers: The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that at least 82 migrants died in 2024, the deadliest year on record for Channel crossings. Increased enforcement efforts have heightened the risks, leading to overcrowded and less seaworthy boats.

● Government Measures: The UK government has introduced measures to combat people smuggling, including a new criminal offense of endangering lives at sea, carrying a jail term of up to five years. Convicted smugglers face up to 14 years in prison.

● Asylum Seekers: In the year ending September 2024, over 99,700 people claimed asylum in the UK. The largest numbers of asylum seekers came from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Bangladesh, Syria, and India.

●  Processing and Returns: There were 97,170 asylum cases awaiting an initial decision at the end of September 2024. In the same period, 8,519 people who were not granted asylum were returned to their home countries, with a significant rise in returns to Albania.

●  Comparisons with Europe: The UK had the fifth highest number of asylum claims in the EU and European Economic Area in the year ending June 2024. Germany received the largest number of applicants, followed by Spain, France, and Italy.

Read the full article here: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-53699511

8 January 2025

BBC

Baby born on migrant boat crossing from Africa to Canary Islands

A baby was born on a crowded migrant boat traveling from Africa to the Canary Islands this week, highlighting the perilous journey faced by migrants. Spanish coast guards rescued the baby boy, his mother, and numerous other migrants from the inflatable raft spotted off Lanzarote on January 6, the day Spain celebrated the Epiphany.

The captain of the rescue boat, Domingo Trujillo, was surprised to find the newborn, who had been delivered just minutes earlier. The mother and baby were taken to a hospital on Lanzarote via helicopter, and no complications were reported.

The ocean crossing from Africa to the Canary Islands is highly dangerous, with more than 46,800 undocumented migrants making the journey last year, according to Spanish government data. This incident underscores the ongoing challenges and risks faced by migrants seeking safety and a better life.

The Epiphany, a Christian holiday celebrated in Spain, marked a poignant backdrop for this rescue, symbolizing hope and new beginnings.

 Southern Africa

The standard

28 January 2025

Children on migration face exploitation, violence, UN says

Children on migration journeys face significant violence, exploitation, and abuse. A report by UNICEF, IOM, Save the Children, and UNHCR reveals that millions of children are on the move worldwide, with many taking dangerous routes. As of 2020, 6.2 million international migrant children were reported in Africa. From January to October 2024, IOM tracked 28,578 child migrants along the Eastern Route, with 36% being girls and 26% unaccompanied.

The Southern Route towards South Africa poses greater risks to children due to a lack of information. Migrant children also face heightened risks on Northern and Eastern routes to Europe and the Middle East. Children are three times more likely than adults to suffer violence and abuse during migration, including detention and trafficking into forced labor and sexual exploitation.

Detained children face long-lasting physical, mental, and emotional health impacts. Organizations argue that detaining children violates their rights and suggest governments establish child-sensitive identification and screening procedures. There is a need for cross-border cooperation, addressing the root causes of irregular migration, and enhancing the resilience of children and their families.

Climate-induced disasters, conflict, and poverty push people to migrate in search of safety and better living conditions. UNICEF, IOM, and other organizations call for inclusive child protection systems and policies to safeguard children on the move, emphasizing their right to protection and care at every stage of their journey.

 South Africa

25 January 2025

IOL

Undocumented foreign learners to be admitted in schools

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) in South Africa has directed its officials to allow undocumented foreign parents and guardians to enroll their children in schools for the 2025 academic year and register for matric examinations, even if they lack required documents. Basic Education Director-General Mathanzima Mweli highlighted complaints from civil society organizations about learners being denied admission or prevented from registering for the 2024 final national senior certificate (NSC) examinations due to missing identity documents or asylum seekers permits. Mweli clarified that undocumented learners cannot be barred from registering and writing NSC examinations.

Umalusi, the education quality assurance council, confirmed that an identity document is not mandatory for issuing an NSC certificate. The recently enacted Basic Education Laws Amendment (Bela) Act, which came into effect in September, mandates that any learner, regardless of documentation status, should be allowed to attend school. Schools are required to advise parents or guardians to obtain the necessary documents.

Despite the pressures on the education system, including unplaced learners in Gauteng, the DBE is committed to ensuring no learner is left without a classroom. However, anti-migrant group Operation Dudula opposes this policy, arguing that South African children should be given preference over illegal immigrants and advocating for the employment of local teachers.

11 December 2024

ENCA

SA's porous borders | Taxi driver arrested for smuggling illegal foreign nationals

Johannesburg - High Alert at the Border Management Authority

The Border Management Authority (BMA) is on high alert after a taxi driver was arrested for attempting to smuggle 25 undocumented foreigners from Zimbabwe into South Africa. Among the passengers were 20 children, who have now been taken to a place of safety. Jane Thupana, Deputy Commissioner of Corporate Affairs at the BMA, confirmed the arrest and noted a recent spike in the smuggling of illegal persons into the country.

03 January 2025

SABC News

BMA working with Zimbabwe to prevent entry of illegal immigrants

As the festive season draws to a close, authorities at the border post connecting South Africa with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region have assessed readiness at the largest land port. Yesterday, officials also launched a crime-fighting campaign to address pressing challenges at this critical juncture.

Dr. Masiapato stated that they expect an increase in vehicles and people towards the end of the weekend. Given its high volume of travelers and goods, the border post is a hotspot for illicit activities, including the smuggling of contraband. The Beitbridge Border Post sees South Africa and Zimbabwe joining forces to prevent the smuggling of goods and border jumping.

 

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Tags:

• South African Immigration Enforcement
• Border Crime South Africa
• Migration Trends In Africa
• Xenophobia In South Africa
• Political Response To Migration South Africa
• Economic Impact Of Migration
• Human Trafficking South Africa
• Border Management Authority South Africa
• Home Affairs Anti-corruption Measures
• Undocumented Migrants South Africa
• Illegal Immigration South Africa
• Corruption At South African Borders
• Border Security South Africa
• South Africa Immigration Policy