Ocean Viking saves 36 migrants off Lampedusa coast
The "Ocean Viking" rescue ship has pulled 36 people from an overcrowded wooden boat in the Mediterranean Sea. Maltese authorities had requested the charity chip to save the shipwrecked migrants.
sertan sanderson
Maltese and Italian coastguards pick up a total of 73 migrants at sea after distress calls
Malta has rescued 45 migrants attempting the perilous Mediterranean crossing. Among those saved was a pregnant woman at risk of miscarriage, who had to be airlifted. Later, the Italian coastguard picked up another 28 migrants.
Police clear migrant camp in northern France
French police have evacuated at least 800 migrants from a makeshift tent camp that had sprung up outside a gym near the northern port city of Dunkirk last spring. A court had ruled that the camp in Grande-Synthe was becoming a health and security hazard. Many in the area fear, however, that there will be more migrant tent camps in the future.
Pope calls for a more welcoming culture in 'Peace Without Borders' address
Pope Francis called for "eradicating borders that divide and create opposition" and reflected on the message of "peace with no borders." His message was part of this year's "Prayer for Peace" meeting., which was attended by top-level delegates in Madrid in recent days.
North Macedonia police detain 81 migrants found in truck
Police in North Macedonia have reportedly detained 81 migrants found in a truck near the country's border with Serbia. The driver of the vehicle had apparently ignored a police warning to stop for a check. He later abandoned the vehicle.
Returnees struggle to adjust to life in Nigeria
The IOM and other organizations are trying to manage migration movements around the world by offering incentives as part of their voluntary return programs. But life after such a return typically brings with it its own set of problems, as recent reports from Nigeria have revealed.
Fewer asylum seekers paid welfare benefits in Germany
The number of asylum seekers receiving benefits decreased considerably in 2018. According to the Federal Statistical Office of Germany, the number went down by 12%.
Ocean Viking resumes operations after 82 migrants disembark on Lampedusa
The charity rescue vessel Ocean Viking was allowed to disembark the 82 remaining migrants on board on the southern Italian island of Lampedusa. The boat, which is run by the SOS Mediterranee charity and MSF, says it is now ready to embark on its next mission.
EU extends Operation Sophia a further six months
The European Union has agreed to extend its Operation Sophia anti-migrant-smuggling mission along the Libyan Mediterranean coast by six months. It will now run until the end of March 2020 — however, actual naval operations remain halted.
Migrant camps in Bosnia reach boiling point
The small town of Bihac near Bosnia's border with Croatia is facing a growing migrant influx. The Red Cross says that the central government isn't doing enough.
Head of Moria migrant camp on Lesbos quits
The governor of the Moria migrant camp on the Greek island of Lesbos has unexpectedly announced his resignation, citing personal reasons. The camp has long been criticized for overcrowded and unsanitary conditions.
Pregnant Nigerian evacuated from Ocean Viking by helicopter
Malta's armed forces airlifted a heavily pregnant Nigerian woman and her husband from the rescue ship on Wednesday. The charity-run ship is currently carrying more than 80 migrants rescued in the Mediterranean Sea.