A new coalition of leading not-for-profit organizations in Ireland is calling for an end to Ireland's controversial Direct Provision asylum reception system. Some years ago the government had committed to ending the system by 2024, yet it still has a long way to go to ensure it delivers on these promises, according to the coalition.
Cypriot MPs have voiced strong criticism of conditions at the Pournara emergency shelter for migrants, west of Nicosia. Significant inter-community violence has already broken out in the overcrowded facility.
A 31-year-old woman and a two-year-old child have died after a fire broke out at a shelter for asylum seekers in central Germany on Sunday evening.
In northern Italy, authorities have evicted migrants from a shelter set up by activists. The occupied building had been turned into a center to assist migrants trying to cross the border to France.
2020 has been a difficult year for many people the world over. A global health pandemic, economic problems and even more people displaced than before were just some of the challenges we all faced. But to try and spread a bit of cheer as the year comes to a close, InfoMigrants decided to look back at some of the positive stories we featured. Here’s a few focusing on how migrants helped their communities pull through the dark times.
Germany's capital has approved plans to build new refugee homes as coronavirus and housing shortage bite. Some refugee homes are struggling to maintain hygiene guidelines.
Refugee home director Katie Griggs is one of many people whose jobs have been made extra challenging by the pandemic. How do you protect a diverse community when its members all share bathrooms and kitchens?
Some migrants evacuated from the Aubervilliers camp in Paris tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Nonetheless, they were accommodated in sporting halls and other large-surface facilities where social distancing is near impossible. Doctors without Borders (MSF) explained to InfoMigrants how is it is trying to help the most vulnerable during these times.
The Lebanon Humanitarian INGO Forum (LHIF), which comprises 51 international NGOs, has urged Lebanese authorities to stop demolishing refugee shelters. LHIF said demolitions carried out by troops are traumatic for refugees who have fled war.
With more than 70 million displaced people worldwide, working out how to provide them with shelter is a huge challenge. Designing a place that could become their home for decades is even harder, especially when there is little political will.
Lebanese security forces have destroyed 20 refugee homes for breaking building regulations that refugees have to abide by. Aid organizations have said they expect further demolitions to follow.
Thousands of migrants and refugees are stranded in Bosnia on their way to Western Europe. They are in desperate need of humanitarian assistance. The international Red Cross says some have died while trying to find shelter.