AYS News Digest 16/8/23: Increased deportation from Italy to Tunisia after EU deal
Forty survivors from Cape Verde rescue // Latvian border guard supported as “increased threat” from Belarus // Mayor helps remove water provision in Calais // Six dead in Channel tragedy // Protest against Frontex in Dakar, Senegal // Plenty of Worth Reading links
FEATURE
Increased deportation from Italy to Tunisia after EU deal
Deportations have increased from Italy to Tunisia, often with rights violations. Following the agreement in July this year the two countries have agreed on increased deportation of undocumented people back to Tunisia.
100 million Euros — the price the EU will pay to Tunisia as part of this deal, including investment in schools and student exchanges. The motivation behind this apparent kindness? That Italy wants to consider Tunisia a “safe third country”. This would mean that anyone who passed through Tunisia on their way from another country to Europe could be returned there.
The human ramifications of this have been sudden. Reports of people eating broken glass to avoid deportation show how desperate the situation is when the fundamental right to appeal a decision is removed. There have been cases of people receiving an instant deportation notice. This thread explains more.
Despite closer ties between the two countries, people are not deterred by the news. Almost 1000 people have safely reached the island of Lampedusa from Tunisia in just two days. They are from a range of countries and now face overcrowding at the Lampedusa reception centre which is struggling to cope. The facility is currently hosting 2000 people.
SEA and SAR
Forty survivors from Cape Verde rescue
Forty survivors and an unknown number of deceased were rescued and brought to safety on Cape Verde. The vessel in distress was spotted by a Spanish fishing boat over 300 kilometres from the Spanish island Sal. It is thought that the boat was at sea for over a month after leaving Senegal.
Greek authorities removed the engine of a boat before letting it drift. Details of a pushback in the Aegean Sea have been shared involving 36 men women and children.
The shocking reality of how deadly Europe’s sea borders are is shared in numbers.
LATVIA
Border guard supported as “increased threat” from Belarus
Border guards have been summoned from their holidays and soldiers have been drafted in to fortify the Latvia — Belarus border. This comes as the perceived “hybrid threat” has increased. Latvia claims that Belarus is mobiling more people to cross the border into the EU. There were 96 reported crossings in 24 hours. This relates not only to people encouraged from the Middle East and African nations, but also to mercenaries from the Wagner Group from Russia. More context here.
GREECE
Evros islet remains a prison for a group who have been trapped there for over a week. As shared by Alarm Phone and previously in the News Digest, the group has faced violence from both sides when they try to leave. Two members of the group are missing, with concerns that they may be dead. We add our voice to those calling for an urgent resolution, with food, shelter and medical support being made immediately available. A summary of what has been happening is available here.
FRANCE
Mayor helps remove water provision in Calais
The Deputy Mayor of Calais has overseen the seizure of a water point in Calais. The water tank, provided by aid groups, served 1000 litres of water to people who are denied help in other ways. The UN has reported that French authorities are in breach of human rights by not providing access to water. A decision will be made in September about whether to accept the UN recommendations.
UK
Six dead in Channel tragedy
Six people died in the Channel on 12th August. The boat that the people were using to cross from France was reportedly over-loaded with 60 passengers. The people who lost their lives were all from Afghanistan. Just two years since the Taliban took control of the country, and safe routes were broadcast but never realised, the UK has failed to help Afghan people in the way it promised.
Our thoughts are with the families of those who died.
The UK Government was aware of the infectious bacteria present on the barge intended to house asylum seekers before people were moved there. As reported in the last News Digest, legionella bacteria was found on the already controversial floating prison-like structure.
The Mayor of Portland — the area where the barge is moored — is now taking legal action against the Home Office for failing to apply for planning permission. All 39 people were removed after the news hit the press. The question over why such unsuitable arrangements are made for people who have already faced so much trauma is discussed in this article: The UK can afford to house everyone, so why don’t we?
Also in worsening regulations for people in the UK, the deadline to find new accommodation once refugee status has been granted has been reduced from 28 days to just seven days.
“An utterly appalling move that will cause immense harm to people.” Lisa Doyle People’s Health Trust
This video recorded by the UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak outlines his plans to “stop the boats”. He has more awful plans for denying human rights to those who search for freedom and safety.
FRONTEX
A protest against Frontex and the EU border regime took place in Dakar, Senegal.
WORTH READING/LISTENING
World Politics Review A Taliban-Led Afghanistan Isn’t the Neighbor Iran Bargained For
Aljazeera: ‘You have to do it’: Refugees in Tunisia undeterred by Lampedusa shipwreck
Libya Update: US sends combat planes to Tunisia
Seven Years with SOS Humanity: Interview with crewing team member Christina
Civil Fleet Podcast: Reclaim the Sea
The Times (paywall): AI system can deter people smugglers by detecting small boats early
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