Germany: Afghan dies in asylum center fire
A 27-year-old man has died in a fire in an asylum seeker center in the northern German city of Hamburg. Police said the man was of Afghan origin.
asylum center
Migrants: 18 associations ask EU to abandon hotspot centers
Eighteen associations promoting the health rights of migrants and refugees have appealed to European governments and to EMPs to change the model of large holding centers in the new European pact on migration and asylum. Large centers, they said in the recent appeal, "have devastating effects on the mental health of refugees and asylum seekers."
Migrants in Italy: Piedmont governor calls for transfer stop
After nine migrants fled an asylum center in northwestern Italy, local politicians are calling on the Rome government to take "immediate measures to put an end to an emergency situation." They claim the migrants pose a "risk for public health and safety."
Revolt in Italian migrant repatriation center, three arrested
An attempted revolt and escape took place at a migrant repatriation center in Gradisca d'Isonzo, northeastern Italy. The incident occurred during the night between Friday and Saturday and ended in three arrests as well as serious damage to the facility.
Italy: Video of policeman forcing migrants to slap themselves goes viral, triggers controversy
A video about a policeman humiliating Tunisian migrants in Italy has sparked controversy after going viral. It shows a police officer slapping a migrant and forcing other refugees to slap each other as "punishment" for having tried to escape from a migrant reception center. The incident led to the police officer being placed under investigation for abuse of correction methods.
Coronavirus hits two more asylum shelters in Germany
Two centers for asylum seekers in Mainz and Regensburg have reported scores of new COVID-19 cases -- even though the number of new infections in Germany overall has decreased. Researchers warn that the virus can spread rapidly in asylum centers.
Coronavirus outbreak hits refugee home in Germany
At least 70 people at a refugee home near Bonn have tested positive for COVID-19. News of the outbreak prompted calls for better protection for asylum-seekers and more testing at the often crowded facilities.
Germany: Rights and health of asylum seekers under threat in ‘mass camps’
Refugee rights organizations in Germany say people in asylum seeker accommodation centers are in grave danger from coronavirus and have called for them to be shut down. Migrants who were quarantined in one center are being made to wear wristbands in public.
German court: COVID-19 protection 'inadequate' at refugee home
A pregnant woman appealed to be released from the shelter, saying it was impossible to socially distance in the crowded facility. The court in Münster agreed — criticizing the double standard in rules at refugee homes.
Panic in Germany's refugee centers amid coronavirus quarantine
COVID-19 is spreading in Germany's refugee homes and lockdown measures are causing havoc among people who are already traumatized. The authorities are still looking for ways to resolve the crisis.
Italy: Migrants to stay in centers beyond time limit
Migrants should be housed in reception centers even if they no longer meet the requirements for housing, the Italian interior ministry said in a circular sent to prefects amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Quarantine karaoke for young asylum seekers
In the Netherlands, migrant children are finding ways to cope with "the new normal" under virus containment measures. Together with a local non-profit group they have come up with some creative solutions.