Refugee numbers worldwide at record high
The number of refugees in the world has hit a record of 70 million, the United Nations said in a statement. That’s the highest figure since World War II.
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Germany's Merkel: ‘Sea rescue is a humanitarian imperative’
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has defended private sea rescue in the Mediterranean against criticism, calling it a “humanitarian imperative.” She also said, among other things, that it wasn’t always the “poorest and weakest” who were coming to Europe. Meanwhile, the over 500 rescued migrants aboard NGO vessels Ocean Viking and Open Arms are still in limbo.
UN denounces use of rape as weapon of war in DR Congo
The UN special representative on sexual violence in conflict has praised the African Union for their measures to prevent conflict-related sexual violence. The UN documented over 3,000 cases in which rape and abuse were used as a weapon of war in Africa last year.
Restoring Mediterranean rescue missions urgent - UNHCR
The UN refugee agency UNHCR has urged European governments to restart migrant rescue operations and to alleviate the suffering of thousands of refugees and migrants caught in the conflict in Libya.
UNHCR calls for shift in Mediterranean approach after 150 migrants are feared dead in shipwreck
The UN refugee agency UNHCR has called for immediate action after two boats shipwrecked Thursday off Libya and 150 migrants are feared to have drowned. Search and rescue operations in the Mediterranean must be resumed and arbitrary detention stopped, the UN says.
Up to 150 migrants feared dead off Libya coast in 'worst Mediterranean tragedy'
The United Nations has described the capsize of two boats carrying about 300 migrants as the "worst Mediterranean tragedy" in 2019. Survivors were rescued by fishing boats and returned to detention centers in Libya.
Luxembourg calls for EU to bring back rescue ships in Operation Sophia
Luxembourg foreign minister Jean Asselborn has said that the EU should consider bringing back ships for Operation Sophia, both for rescue purposes and to fight against trafficking.
UNHCR, IOM urge different approach for refugees in Libya
The UN agencies IOM and UNHCR have called for the international community to make protecting human rights a priority in its involvement in Libya.
UNHCR announces first Global Forum on Refugees
The UN Refugee Agency UNHCR announced it will hold the first Global Forum on Refugees on December 17 and 18, 2019 in Geneva, Switzerland.
Restart Mediterranean migrant rescue missions, UN bodies tell Europe
UN agencies have appealed to European countries to restart government rescue operations for migrants in the Mediterranean Sea. More needs to be done to improve inhumane conditions for displaced people in Libya as well.
Libya's refugees caught in the crossfire of war
A conflict between Libya's competing government factions has placed refugees in the middle of a bloody power struggle. A deadly airstrike on a detention camp is just the latest attack to target refugee facilities.
Survivors describe Libya detention center attack as 'horrific'
Migrants remained locked in and were later shot at by guards as a bomb blast hit the Tripoli detention center where they were being held on Wednesday morning. Survivors of the deadly airstrike, which has provoked an international outcry, are pleading for help from the UN.