Libyan coastguard stops migrant rescue

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The Libyan coastguard has not been operating in its maritime rescue zone over the past month, according to reports from German search and rescue NGO Sea-Eye.

Instead, they are being deployed for combat operations in the civil war between Haftar Libyan National Army and the internationally-recognised Government of National Accord. Some of these boats were supplied to Libya by Italy and France.

The Libyan coastguard has largely been responsible for rescues in the Mediterranean Sea, in the absence of NGO rescue boats and the halting of Operation Sophia’s naval operations. Between 1 January and 1 May 2019, 257 people lost their lives while attempting to migrate to Europe from Libya by sea, according to latest data from the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

“Obviously, the government of Tripoli has its own problems instead of dealing with EU border protection,” says Gorden Isler, a spokesperson for the German humanitarian rescue organisation Sea-Eye.

 

For the full story Visit https://www.themigrantproject.org/libyan-coastguard-stops-rescues/ 

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EU funding for African entrepreneurs to boost jobs

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A new EU programme aims to invest in young entrepreneurs and women in Africa and in turn deter them from migrating abroad.

The EU ‘Small Loans and Guarantee Programme Risk-Sharing Facility’ which forms part of the ‘External Investment Plan’ (EIP), will give young African entrepreneurs the opportunity to boost their small businesses. Under the programme, EUR 4.2 million has been allocated to help banks in Africa better assist small businesses and boost job creation. Local banks in Africa will be able to administer tailored loans and financial products to young Africans in low-income, fragile and conflict-affected countries.

The Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development, Neven Mimica said; “This new programme worth over EUR 4 million will make a real difference for those who often struggle to access sources of financing for their business ideas: women, young entrepreneurs or small businesses in low-income countries. We expect to support some 50,000 small businesses and help to create up to 200,000 jobs.”

Unemployment is one of the main factors pushing African youth, including Eritreans, to undertake the dangerous and expensive irregular journey to reach Europe. According to the World Bank, youths account for 60% of all unemployed in Africa.

Europe has been supporting young Africans and equipping them with the skills they need to get a job at home and in turn deter young people from migrating abroad. For example, in August 2018, the UK signed a GBP 115 million grant designed to create 100,000 jobs for locals and refugees in Ethiopia. In August 2018, Italy also announced plans to invest EUR 1 billion in Northern African countries to help stem migration flows from the region. North Africa is a major point of transit for irregular migrants heading towards Europe.

In December 2018, the EU also introduced the ‘EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa’ which aims to assist vulnerable migrants, foster labour migration and reduce irregular migration to Europe. Since 2015, the EU fund has allocated EUR 582.2 million to finance 23 programs to deal with migration-related challenges in Africa.

 

 

The uncertainty of my son’s destiny

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Mehari (pseudonym) was born in Edaga Arbi and raised in Arbaete Asmara. He studied his elementary and middle school at Arbaete Asmara and he completed his high school at Ibrahim Sultan Secondary school. Mehari got a high score during the Matriculation Exam and he joined Asmara University to study his bachelor’s degree and eventually he graduated with a distinction from the department of Mathematic. After his graduation, he worked as an assistant instructor at the Mai-Nefhi Institute of science and Technology. He worked there until he was ordered to work as a teacher at the vocational and technical school known as Hamamos, at Sawa military training camp.

UNHCR refugee Continue reading “The uncertainty of my son’s destiny” →

Egyptian police harasses refugees and loots their properties. 

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On the 11th and 12th of December 2018 the Egyptian police conducted raids on Eritrean refugees’ residences in the district of Ard el-Lewaa (where most of its residence are Eritrean Refugees) and arrested youths for allegedly  not holding the UNHCR cards and held them in the Ajuza police station.

 egyptian police raid Egyptian police

Continue reading “Egyptian police harasses refugees and loots their properties. “ →