AYS News Digest 23/8/23: Greece — Right-wing extremists detaining people-on-the-move
Belarus human rights organization branded “extremist” // Ethiopia to investigate Saudi deaths // Germany spends 120,000 EUR on “mini deportations” // Cartoons not Cruelty in UK // Worth Reading and more…
FEATURE
Right-wing extremists detaining people-on-the-move
In shocking footage published by Efsyn, civilians are shown holding people in a low trailer being pulled by a 4 x 4 car. The video, which appears to have been taken from Facebook, then shows several men in cramped conditions when a door is opened for the benefit of the camera. It also shows a search for people hiding in the trees in an apparent “hunt” for people on the move.
This comes at the same time as the UN has urged Greek authorities to abide by international law and have accountability for the actions of individuals involved in pushbacks.
“We are particularly concerned by their failure to provide prompt and effective assistance to migrants in distress and ensure safe disembarkation and adequate reception of migrants,” UN press release.
This report goes on to detail the case of a pushback in early August, where extreme violence was used. More information about that and the on-going investigation here.
The Greek government, however, deny any issues, instead seeking to blame the deaths of 18 people in the Evros region on themselves and not on the actions of authorities who perform illegal pushbacks.
SEA and SAR
Boat attacked in Aegean
A boat in the vicinity of Lesbos reported being attacked and having its engine removed before being pushed back to Turkish waters. Alarm Phone reported 26 people on the vessel which was subsequently assisted by the Turkish Coast Guard.
Aurora Detained
The rescue vessel Aurora has been detained by Italian authorities on “fabricated grounds”. The ship was immobilised for 20 days for failing to reach its assigned port of safety. Seventy-two people were rescued during their last mission, they were then assigned the port of Trapani — four times as far away as Lampedusa. As deck temperatures reached over 40 degrees, water supplies dwindled and health concerns were raised, the crew pleaded with authorities for a closer port. The response of the authorities was to suggest a Tunisian port which would have been a direct violation of human rights law — Tunisia is not a safe country. Other groups have expressed solidarity. #DecretoPiantedosi is the decree which has restricted rescue boats in many ways.
LIBYA
UNHCR are not doing enough for Sudanese refugees in Libya
800,000 people have fled Sudan since the conflict intensified in April this year. Many people have stayed in the neighbouring countries of Chad and Egypt, yet many have also travelled to Libya’s capital, Tripoli. This report shows families camped outside UNHCR buildings, hoping for support, many waiting days.
The awful crisis in Sudan is finally gaining international attention as the UK Africa Minister has spoken out about the war crimes being committed against the Masalit people, and his department will be gathering evidence to present to the UN Security Council.
SAUDI ARABIA
In a follow-up to the previous News Digest, Ethiopia is to investigate the mass killing of people at the Saudi border. The likelihood of an impartial report seems slim given other human rights abuses reported in Ethiopia itself.
BELARUS
Human rights organization branded “extremist”
The Committee for State Security in Belarus has labelled a human rights organisation as “extremist”.
Viasna / Human Rights in Belarus with all its branches (more than 30 resources in total) has been named an extremist formation “for organizing activities aimed at preparing attacks on the sovereignty and public security of the Republic of Belarus, discrediting and insulting officials.” Viasna Human Rights
Currently five members of Viasna HR have been detained and other groups are protesting the decision. This governmental move is a sign of life in Belarus for all citizens, including people-on-the-move and those who seek to help them.
SPAIN
Undocumented woman shares her story
Thirty-three years without documentation. One woman in Ceuta (a Spanish enclave in Morocco) has been living without official papers, health insurance or rights despite attempts to obtain legal status. No Name Kitchen has shared her story, which has caught the attention of the wider Spanish media. More here.
GERMANY
Germany spends 120,000 EUR on “mini deportations”
Germany is top of the list for deportations both to home countries and via “Dublin” to other EU countries. The kind of flights used are different, with the most expensive being for example Leipzig to Niger with four passengers costing €120,450 per person. The detailed report here describes the force often used in deportations, including “body cuffs”, the steel shackles used to immobilise people.
UNITED KINGDOM
Cartoons not Cruelty
9,300 postcards for 9,300 children. This is the response to Home Office minister Robert Jenrick who made headlines in July for ordering cartoons to be painted over. The colourful murals were in an asylum seeker accommodation for children and the excuse was that they “weren’t age appropriate”. In response, Cartoons not Cruelty has been launched, which is calling for the murals to be restored. They have also started a postcard campaign aiming to send 9,300 — you can send one too!
WORTH READING/WATCHING
Who is in the Med? This infographic from Civil MRCC shows which boats are out there and their vital stats.
Externalizing Borders or Externalizing Repression? Tunisia at the Center of a Failed Asylum Architecture The Tahrir Institute
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