[This is a roundup of news articles and other materials circulating on the topic of refugees, migrants, and IDPs and reflects a wide variety of opinions. It does not reflect the views of the Refugees and Migrants Page Editors or of Jadaliyya. It is updated every two weeks. You may send your own recommendations for inclusion in each week's roundup to info@jadaliyya.com.
This roundup is also part of the launch of Jadaliyya's Refugees and Migrants page. To see the introduction of the page and other all other launch articles, click here.]
Latest Developments:
Militias evict and disperse 1,900 displaced people in Libya
A local militia forced the entire population of Triq Al Matar, the largest IDP settlement in Tripoli, to flee their homes last week following three nights of indiscriminate raiding and the arbitrary arrest of 94 residents. The 370 families residing in Triq Al Matar were originally residents of Tawergha and had been living in the settlement since they were forced to flee their homes in 2011.
Lebanon eases birth registration rules for Syrian refugees
New rules in Lebanon remove the need for costly court procedures for unregistered births by Syrian refugees and easy access to education, health, and other services for more than 50,000 children without formal documentation.
Crashing currency is the latest weapon threatening Yemeni lives
As the Yemeni riyal drops to its lowest value in history, millions of displaced Yemenis are facing extreme violence, widespread disease, and hunger. Over 8 million people are on the brink of famine, placing them at greater risk of disease in what has become the world’s largest ever cholera outbreak.
The Jungle 'Performance': Recreating a Refugee Camp on the Fly
As migrants begin to return to Calais they face violent confrontations with police, reduced access to aid, and the reality of no permanent structures.
The Tebu: the little-known community at the heart of Libya's people smuggling trade
One of Libya’s most marginalized minority groups is responsible for the smuggling of people through the Sahara Desert. Despite pushback from the Libyan government and international organizations, Tebu people say that until they receive adequate international assistance to stem the flow of migrants, they will continue to engage in the smuggling trade.
Destination Europe: Overlooked
Europe currently invests most of its money into securing the Mediterranean and deporting migrants, ignoring the vulnerabilities of Libya’s southern border. While migrants continue to be illegally smuggled over the border, Libyan officials and journalists are calling on Europe to invest in preventative measures.
The Government of Malaysia Launched a National Fundraising Campaign to Support Palestinian Refugees
The Government of Malaysia recently announced a fundraising initiative in order to provide funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees. This aid comes at a crucial time, as the United States has just announced the withdrawal of funding and aid for this program. Many high-profile Malaysians in the public and private sector have pledged their support.
Salesian missionaries in Italy are reaching out to homeless youths, the majority of whom are migrants, by sending educational and mental health volunteers to train stations. This program aims to find proper shelter, provide language and skill training, offer legal support, and meet the day-to-day needs of impoverished Italian youths.
After Migrants Drowned at Sea, Debate Over Who Should Have Saved Them
Dozens of migrants drowned in the Mediterranean Sea while trying to reach Europe this month after their boat sank and passengers waited in the water for hours until a rescue ship arrived. Although the Libyan Coast Guard rescued nearly three hundred of the stranded migrants, many claim Italian intervention could have saved many more.
South Sudan: amid security challenges, aid workers 'delivering against the odds'
On the eve of the 73rd UN General Assembly meeting in New York, the United Nations hosted an event on humanitarian aid in Sudan to examine the successes and obstacles of international aid in the country. Senior humanitarian officials praised the aid response thus far, but also emphasized the need to “localize” relief efforts and respect for the human rights of the people of South Sudan.
Fleeing worsening war, Afghans find narrowing options in Turkey
Turkey has seen an increase in the number of Afghans crossing its border with Iran in order to seek asylum, find economic opportunity, or reach Europe. Unfortunately, few Afghans are granted legal residency in Turkey, and those who often find themselves subject to strict controls and unable to find the jobs and opportunities of which they dreamed. As the situation in Afghanistan continues to worsen, it is unlikely that this crisis will stabilize any time soon.
Libya's coast guard rescues 235 migrants off western coast
Libya’s coast guard recently rescued 235 migrants from its western coast, which is the primary point of departure from Europe. While the number of migrants off of Libya’s coast has sharply decreased in the past year, there are still incidences that require search and rescue missions. This comes in the wake of the announcement that the Aquarius 2, the only search and rescue ship in the Mediterranean, has had its registration revoked.
Reports/Research Papers
Three Charts on US funding cuts for Palestinian Refugees
Graphs examining statistics of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), including international monetary contributions, number of persons registered with UNRWA, and the funding gap created by the US’s recent withdrawal from the program.
A summary of an urban needs assessment conducted among refugees from Syria and Iraq, as well as Jordanian host communities. The survey examined access to education, healthcare, and primary needs among all communities.
IDP Situation Monitoring Initiative: IDP Movements in Northern Syria
An overview of reported inward and outward movements to and from IDP camps in Syria, conducted by REACH in July 2018.
Yemen: Al Hudaydah Displacement/Response Update
An overview of the needs of newly displaced families in several governorates across Yemen.
Overview of the number and demographics of refugees landing on Italian shores during August 2018. This report highlights the decreasing number of refugees coming to Italy, as well as Libya’s role as the most common place of departure.
Sudan: State Population Dashboard - South Sudanese Refugees
Infographic of arrival trends of South Sudanese refugees by age, gender, and governorate over the course of 2018.
Italy: Unaccompanied and Separated Children (UASC) Dashboard
Overview of the numbers and demographics of unaccompanied and separated children (UASC) arriving in Italy during August 2018. Although the number of UASC arriving in Italy has dropped over the past year, consistent with the decreasing number of all arrivals, there has been a slight increase in the proportion of refugees who classify as UASC.
Mediterranean Migrant Arrivals Reach 71,779 in 2018; Deaths Reach 1,565
Overview of the number of migrants arriving in the Mediterranean from the beginning of 2018 through 5 September. The most popular destination this year has been Spain, while Italy and Greece have seen their lowest numbers since 2014. The number of deaths in the Mediterranean has also decreased, although there has been a slight increase from 2017 in the number of deaths in the Western Mediterranean.
Multilateral Damage: The impact of EU migration policies on central Saharan routes
This report analyzes the impact of externalized EU border control on the central Saharan countries of Niger, Chad, Sudan, and Libya, and how migration routes diversify and move in response. The movement of these routes is in part helped by cross-border Saharan trade and trafficking networks in the region. Attempts by central Saharan countries to enforce stricter border security have actually contributed to the rise of militia groups in the region, thereby undermining state power.
Infographic summarizing interviews conducted with migrants in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso from January through July 2018. These include the demographics of the migrants, their education level and previous occupation, and reasons for departure.
Afghanistan - Baseline Mobility Assessment Summary Results (April - June 2018)
Results of data tracking matrix (DTM) employed in Afghanistan with the purpose of tracking the movement of people, reasons for migration, population sizes of specific areas, vulnerabilities, and the most important needs of the people. This specific DTM tracks data for Afghans who fled abroad, moved within the country, and/or returned to their place of origin.
Primary Documents/Organization Publications
Unparalleled numbers of Syrians displaced in under six months - UN Commission of Inquiry on Syria
In the past six months, as pro-Government forces moved to recapture large swathes of territory from armed groups and terrorist organisations, over one million Syrian men, women, and children were displaced with most now living with lack of access to sufficient food, water, medical services, basic sanitation facilities, and adequate accommodations.
Cash assistance gives refugees the power of choice
UN’s High Commissioner for Refugees is expanding cash-based assistance for refugees, allowing displaced persons to meet their needs in dignity and spend money to obtain essential resources without restrictions. Beneficiaries are able to withdraw cash to pay for their most pressing needs, whether that is paying rent, buying medicines, paying off debts, or even starting small businesses, which also benefits the local economy.
UNHCR gravely concerned about worsening conditions for refugees in Libya
In recent weeks, UNHCR has witnessed a critical worsening in conditions in detention centers for refugees and asylum-seekers in Libya due to increased overcrowding and lack of basic living standards. As a consequence, those inside are rioting and going on hunger strikes to protest and demand a resolution to their bleak living conditions.
Nearly four million Iraqis return home as IDP figures below two million for first time since 2014
According to a milestone IOM Displacement Tracking Matrix report, the number of displaced Iraqis has fallen below two million and nearly four million people have returned home. Ninety-seven percent of returnees have returned to their habitual residence and returnees have cited an improved security situation, availability in housing, and support from friends and relatives as factors in their decision to return.
Afghan refugees share hopes and fears with UN refugee and relief chiefs
During a visit to Pakistan, the UN High Commissioner stressed the need to improve conditions for Afghan refugees currently living in Pakistan. He outlined the current conditions preventing their voluntary return home, and emphasized the need for greater contributions and assistance from the international community.
Largest EU humanitarian programme helps around 1.4 million refugees in Turkey
The EU’s Emergency Social Safety Net (ESSN) program, carried out in conjunction with the World Food Programme and the Turkish Red Crescent, currently benefits over one million refugees in Turkey, which has the largest number of refugees of anywhere in the world. ESSN, funded by EU member states, helps improve the food security of refugees and has reduced the number of parents withdrawing children from schools, by providing refugees with debit cards to meet their monthly needs.
74,000 IDPs return to original villages in South Kordofan: HAC
The Humanitarian Aid Commission in South Kordofan, Sudan, announced that 74,000 IDPs have returned to their areas of origin. He stressed the continued provision of basic services and needs to the returnees, as well as attempts to increase the voluntary return to the area. According to HAC, these returnees have resumed their normal way of life and are well-provided for.
With renewed controversy surrounding the status of asylum seekers and migrants stuck in Libya, the European Centre for Development Policy Management has come up with a joint Task Force to be implemented by Africa and Europe, as well as the broader international community. These include the removal of asylum seekers and migrants from Libya, improving the conditions in Libya, and addressing the issue of smuggling networks.
World leaders voice strong support for new refugee deal at UN General Assembly
The UNHCR hosted a meeting this week in order to support the global compact on refugees, a model meant to enhance the lives and experiences of refugees. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees praised the action and openness of host countries leaving their borders open to neighboring refugees. Leaders also stressed the strain of refugees on host countries, and the need for equal contributions from the international community. The global compact is intended to ease the burden by assisting refugees and host communities alike, as well as facilitating the movement of refugees from overburdened areas. The compact is expected to be backed by the UNGA in December 2018.
Articles
"How Anti-Refugee Narratives Waste International Aid and Human Lives"
False and negative narratives about the refugee crisis cause funding to be directed where it is not needed, thus rendering it ineffective.
"America's System for Resettling Refugees is Collapsing"
The Trump Administration has drastically cut funding and lowered the ceiling for refugee resettlement in the United States. Refugee resettlement centers, previously hiring enthusiastic staffers necessary for helping integrate refugees, are now being forced to lay off workers due to the steadily decreasing number of refugees entering the United States.
Morocco: Relentless crackdown on thousands of sub-Saharan migrants and refugees is unlawful
Amnesty International has condemned the unlawful crackdown on sub-Saharan refugees, migrants, and asylum-seekers, who are denied the right to due process. At least five thousand people have been detained after raids on neighborhoods of migrants and refugees. These migrants are then held for a few hours before being sent to remote areas across the border. Amnesty International also condemns the actions and complicity of Spain, and the broader EU as a whole.
Evacuation of refugees and migrants out of Libya is urgently needed
Doctors Without Borders has called for the immediate evacuation of migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers currently being held in Libya while a tenuous ceasefire halts the fighting in Tripoli. Tripoli has seen a surge in violence over the past few years, leading to dozens of civilian casualties and insufficient access to food, water, and healthcare for the thousands of migrants currently being held at centers.
Italy: A new underhand tactic for ending work of NGO rescue ship will cost lives
Amnesty International’s Europe Researcher, Elisa di Pieri, denounced the Panama Maritime Authority’s revocation of registration for the search and rescue ship Aquarius. The Aquarius has been instrumental in search and rescue missions for migrants in the Mediterranean over the past two years. Pieri stated that if this action is the result of pressure from the Italian government in order to continue its crackdown on NGOs, it would be “a new low.”
Trump administration tells Palestinian refugees to submit or starve
The Trump Administration’s decision to end funding for the U.N. agency responsible for Palestinian refugees, or UNRWA, fulfilled a long-standing goal of Israel and its American supporters. This will significantly affect 170 schools, nearly 150 health facilities and dozens of women’s centers that the organization runs for the 5.4 million refugees across the West Bank, Gaza, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria.
Jeju, South Korea's lenient visa policies, made it a prime destination for Yemeni refugees seeking to claim asylum, overcrowding a resort town and leading to resentment from tourists.
Arabic RAMP Media Roundup
عودة آلاف النازحين لديارهم في شمال غرب سوريا، بعد اتفاق روسي- تركي
أعلنت مصادر محلية أن آلاف النازحين السوريين في الشمال عادوا إلى ديارهم بعد اتفاق روسي- تركي يتعلق بتجميد هجوم عسكري مرقب من قبل قوات النظام السوري على إدلب.
المرصد السوري: مقتل 410 لاجئين سوريين برصاص حرس الحدود التركى بينهم 75 طفلا
قال المرصد السوري لحقوق الإنسان أن أكثر من ٤١٠ لاجئاً سورياً قتلوا برصاص قوات حرس الحدود التركية، بينهم ٧٥ طفلاً منذ بداية الاضطرابات السياسية في سوريا.
مظاهرات في بورصة التركية تطالب برحيل السوريين
تحوّل شجار بين لاجئين سوريين ومواطنين أتراك في مقاطعة (عثمان غازي) التابعة لـولاية بورصة التركية إلى مظاهرات احتشد فيها المئات من الأتراك للمطالبة برحيل اللاجئين السوريين عن المقاطعة.
أطباء بلا حدود: مخيم موريا اليوناني يشهد محاولات انتحار لأطفال لاجئين
مخيم موريا للاجئين في جزيرة ليسبوس اليونانية بقي دائما في دائرة الضوء اعلاميا وذلك طوال أزمة الهجرة التي شهدتها أوروبا، بيد أن الظروف المعيشية داخل المخيم أدت إلى ارتفاع معدلات الانتحار بين الأطفال اللاجئين.
اليونان.. انقلاب قارب مطاطي يحمل لاجئين عراقيين وسوريين
انقلب قرب سواحل جزيرة كوس اليونانية المطلة على ولاية موغلا التركية، قارب مطاطي يحمل 19 مهاجراً غير شرعي من العراق وسوريا.
تقارير: اليونان تطرد لاجئين سوريين بصفة غير قانونية إلى تركيا
رغم نفي السلطات اليونانية لأنباء تتعلق بطردها للاجئين سوريين إلى تركيا، كشفت صحيفة يونانية اليوم النقاب عن طرد لاجئين سوريين عبروا نهر "إيفروس" الفاصل بين اليونان وتركيا، بعد حرق ممتلكاتهم الشخصية وأحذيتهم، حسب الصحيفة.
سارة ماردينى.. منقذة اللاجئين السوريين من الغرق تحاصرها تهم تهريب البشر
سارة ماردينى وشقيقتها يسرى، لاجئتان سوريتان حققتا الشهرة على وسائل الإعلام بفضل جهودهما في إنقاذ سفينة محملة باللاجئين السوريين كادت على وشك الغرق،، ولكن وبعد 3 أعوام من الحادثة تحاكمها السلطات اليونانية بجريمة الإتجار بالبشر.
ميركل: نسعى لاتفاقيات بشأن اللاجئين مع مصر والدول المغاربية
قالت المستشارة ميركل في ختام القمة الأوروبية في سالزبورغ، إن الاتحاد يسعى إلى توقيع اتفاقيات بشأن اللاجئين مع دول في شمال أفريقيا، تشبه ما تم الاتفاق عليه مع تركيا. ميركل تحدثت عن أربع دول هي: مصر، تونس، المغرب وليبيا.
مظاهرات معادية للاجئين بمدينة الألمانية بعد مقتل ألماني على يد لاجئين
تظاهر المئات المواطنين في مدينة كمينتس الألمانية اليوم السبت، بعد مقتل ألماني على يد شابين لاجئين من العراق وسوريا. وأشارت مصادر صحفية إلى زيادة في أعداد المتظاهرين من النازيين الجدد في المدينة ضد تواجد اللاجئين، حيث وصل ضمت المظاهرات الأخيرة ما يقارب ٨ ألاف متظاهر.
وزير داخلية إيطاليا برفض استقبال سفينة أنقذت لاجئين
يرفض وزير الخارجية الإيطالي ماتيو سالفيني السماح باستقبال سفينة بعد أن أنقذت ١١ لاجئاّ في البحر المتوسط.
لبنان: مفوضية اللاجئين توقف المساعدات لـ8000 عائلة سورية
أبلغت المفوضية السامية لشؤون اللاجئين "UNHCR"، في لبنان، عدداً كبيراً من اللاجئين السوريين، عن طريق رسائل نصية، إن المساعدات المقدمة عن طريقها ستتوقف مع بداية تشرين الثاني/نوفمبر، مُذكّرة بأنهم ما زالوا مسجلين لديها.
وفاة طفل فلسطيني بعد غرق مركب لاجئين قبالة عكار
توفي الطفل الفلسطيني خالد نتيجة غرق قارب استقله 35 لاجئا سوريا وفلسطينيا قباله السواحل اللبنانية قاصدين القارة الأوربية.
الامن العام يعلن تأمين عودة طوعية للنازحين السوريين الاثنين المقبل ويحدد نقاط التجمع
أعلنت المديرية العامة للأمن العام في لبنان انها “تقوم بتأمين العودة الطوعية لمئات النازحين السوريين من مناطق مختلفة في لبنان الى سوريا عبر مركزي المصنع والعبودية الحدوديين، عرسال ومعبر الزمراني على الحدود السورية”.
تمديد إقامة اللاجئين السوريين في لبنان
مفوضية الامم المتحدة لشؤون اللاجئين في لبنان، تعمم على لاجئين سوريين تحضير أوراق ثبوتية لتمديد اقامتهم مدة عامين إضافيين.
من قلب الحدث.. كيف يعيش 200 ألف نازح سوري في 18 مخيمًا؟
مصر العربية تعرض معلومات عن وضع النازحين السوريين في مناطق الإدارة الذاتية شمالي سوريا.
ترامب يخفّض مجددا عدد اللاجئين الذي تستقبلهم بلاده
أعلنت إدارة الرئيس الأميركي دونالد ترامب الإثنين أن العدد الأقصى للاجئين الذين ستستقبلهم الولايات المتحدة في 2019 في إطار برنامج إعادة التوطين لن يزيد على 30 ألفاً، مقابل 45 ألفاً هذا العام وحوالي 85 ألفاً في 2016، في خفضٍ غير مسبوق في تاريخ البلاد.
غضب واستياء بين اللاجئين الفلسطينيين بعد وقف التمويل الأمريكي
عبر لاجئون فلسطينيون يوم السبت عن استيائهم من قرار اتخذته الولايات المتحدة بوقف تمويلها لوكالة الأمم المتحدة لإغاثة وتشغيل اللاجئين الفلسطينيين (أونروا) وحذروا من أن ذلك سيؤدي إلى تفاقم الفقر والغضب بين اللاجئين وسيؤدي لزعزعة الاستقرار في الشرق الأوسط.
اعتصام أمام (الأونروا): سنبقى لاجئين لحين العودة إلى فلسطين
نفذ عدد من اللاجئين الفلسطينيين في مخيمات اللجوء في الأردن، اعتصاما أمام إدارة وكالة الغوث الدولية (الأونروا) في منطقة بيادر وادي السير، تعبيرا عن رفض السياسات الأميركية الرامية لتصفية الوكالة وتغيير تعريف اللاجئ الفلسطيني.
مبادرة أمريكية لتوطين لاجئين فلسطينيين بدول عربية
أعلن وزير الاستخبارات والمواصلات الإسرائيلي، يسرائيل كاتس، عن مبادرة أطلقها الرئيس الأمريكي دونالد ترامب تهدف إلى توطين اللاجئين الفلسطينيين في الأردن وسوريا ولبنان والعراق، وأعرب الوزير الإسرائيلي عن ترحيبه بالمبادرة.
المفوضية العليا للاجئين: عدد النازحين في اليمن تجاوز 3 ملايين
مفوضية اللاجئين في اليمن أن عدد النازحين في اليمن بلغ أكثر من 3 ملايين و154 ألفا، مشيرة الى أن النزاع المسلح خلف أزمة انسانية حادة في البلاد.
لأول مرة منذ 2014، عودة أربعة ملايين نازح وانخفاض أعداد النازحين العراقيين إلى أقل من مليونين
أفادت المنظمة الدولية للهجرة بعودة نحو أربعة ملايين نازح إلى منازلهم وانخفاض أعداد النازحين العراقيين إلى ما دون حاجز المليونين للمرة الأولى منذ نحو أربع سنوات.