Several migrants die in Turkey's Lake Van
Seven migrants were killed in eastern Turkey after their boat sank in Lake Van, according to the official Anadolu news agency. Turkish authorities meanwhile said that they rescued 64 people.
Bangladesh
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.
Mahbuba’s Story: Caught in the crossfire
Mahbuba Jebin has been involved in politics since she was a student in Bangladesh. She was a member of the student wing of the current ruling party, the Awami League. For years she lived a life of privilege and power. However, her decision to marry a member of the opposition BNP party put her at odds with many in her own party. A campaign of intimidation started which led her to flee the country she loves and seek asylum in the UK. Despite all the difficulties, she continues to write every day.
Bangladeshi women in Italy fight for gender rights
The Bangladeshi community in Italy is the second largest in Europe. However, many women are still struggling to acclimatize, not least because of their husbands. Michele Bertelli reports from Rome.
10.5 million refugees got health care worldwide in 2018, UNHCR
The UN refugee agency UNHCR reports that in 2018, some 10.5 million refugees received health care through public health programs, UNHCR, and other partners worldwide.
17 migrants killed in southeastern Turkey bus crash
At least 17 people have been killed after a bus carrying migrants overturned in eastern Turkey. About 50 people were also injured in the accident that took place in Van province.
'Step with refugees', a campaign of solidarity
To mark World Refugee Day this June, the UNHCR is encouraging people around the world to count the steps they walk, run and cycle and register on a website. The aim? To cover the distance that refugees are forced to walk every year in order to reach safety. The campaign aims to honor the efforts families make to survive, the UNHCR says.
IOM Tunisia completes first voluntary returns
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) assisted in the voluntary repatriation of a first group of migrants who survived shipwrecks off the coast of Tunisia between May 10 and May 12, as part of an assisted voluntary return program.
Berlin court finds couple guilty of child trafficking
A court in Berlin has sentenced two people, living in Greece and accused of trafficking minors, to almost two years on probation. The Asian couple, however, only played a small role in a major trafficking ring, the court found.
UNHCR launches '2 Billion Kilometers to Safety' campaign
Refugees travel 2 billion kilometers each year to escape war and persecution. The UN Refugee Agency now wants people to walk, run or bike that distance to demonstrate their solidarity.
#MessageBackHome: 'We want freedom of speech, freedom of religion'
Prithu Sanyal is a blogger and an atheist – both things are considered unacceptable in his country Bangladesh. He received death threats by Islamic militants and even his family members were against him. In Germany, he is relieved to be able to write about social issues, free speech and religious freedom again.
The story of Ruhid, who regained hearing after beatings in Libya
This is the story of Ruhid Ahmed, who arrived in Italy from Bangladesh via Libya. He nearly lost his hearing due to beatings he was subjected to during detention in the African country.