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EU Approves Major Revamp Of Migration, Asylum Rules

Published

1 month ago

April 11, 2024

Editor

After years of negotiations, the European Parliament has approved a major reform tightening the EU’s migration and asylum rules which has been in the works since 2015 and will come into force in two years’ time.

It is designed to speed up the asylum process and boost the return of irregular migrants to their home countries and will also require EU member states to share responsibility for asylum seekers.

2023 saw some 380,000 people illegally crossing the EU’s borders – the highest number since 2016.

The EU said the pact combined “mandatory solidarity” between member states with flexibility. Although some EU states remain opposed to parts of the agreement, it is expected to receive full approval at the end of April under majority voting.

Under the proposed rules, the EU’s 27 countries will be required to either take in thousands of migrants from “frontline” countries, such as Italy, Greece and Spain, or provide extra funding or resources instead.

The pact also says that asylum claims with “low chances of being accepted” should be examined rapidly, without necessarily admitting the applicant into EU territory.

The agreement also aims to deal with asylum requests within a maximum of 12 weeks. In case of rejection, asylum seekers would have to be returned forcibly to their home country within the same period.

Migrants will be subject to a toughened pre-entry screening procedure within seven days, which would include identification and health and security checks.

Biometric data for any migrant aged six or older will be collected and there will be a mechanism to respond to sudden increases in arrivals.

The migration pact has been backed by two main political groups – the centre-right European People’s Party Group (EPP Group) and the centre-left Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D).

Both groups are trying to fend off a strong challenge from the right in parliamentary elections in June.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz praised a “historic, indispensable step” and Roberta Metsola, the president of the European Parliament, said it struck a “balance between solidarity and responsibility”.

“It will not solve everything overnight but it is 10 giant leaps forward,” she said.

However, left-wing and far-right groups opposed the agreement.

Many NGOs also urged MEPs to vote down the reform, with Amnesty International warning the pact would lead to a “surge in suffering” for asylum seekers.

One common objection from NGOs is that asylum seekers with low chances of being accepted would have their claims processed either on small border islands or in detention facilities in frontline states, and have less access to fair procedures.

Headline

JUST-IN: 34 Dead, 16 Missing In Indonesia Floods

Published

4 hours ago

May 12, 2024

Editor

At least 34 people have died and 16 more were missing after floods on Sumatra island in western Indonesia, the spokesperson for the West Sumatra disaster mitigation agency said Sunday.

“Until now our data shows that 34 people died: 16 in Agam and 18 in Tanah Datar. At least 18 others are injured. We are also still searching for 16 other people,” Ilham Wahab told AFP, referring to two districts in West Sumatra province.

Details later…

AFP

Headline

Failure To Prosecute Deborah’s Killers Two Years After, Reinforcement Of Impunity – Amnesty International

Published

7 hours ago

May 12, 2024

Editor

Amnesty International has condemned the Nigerian authorities for their failure to bring the murderers of Deborah Samuel to justice.

Deborah, a Christian and a second-year student of Home Economics at Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, was lynched by Islamic extremists and subsequently set ablaze on May 12, 2022.

This occurred after she had advised her classmates against posting religious materials on their WhatsApp page.

In a press release made available to newsmen on Saturday, the director of the human rights organisation, Isa Sanusi, stated that the failure to bring Deborah’s killers to justice serves as a reinforcement of impunity.

Sanusi said, “On the day Deborah was killed, in a flagrant show of utter disdain for the sanctity of life and impunity, a video footage of a raging fire and a man facing the camera, bragging that he killed and burnt Deborah Samuel — while also brandishing a matchbox — was widely shared on social media.

“Even though the suspects were arrested but in what appears to be an encouragement for impunity suspected killers were not properly charged and were ultimately set free — going away with blood on their hands.

“By failing, again and again, to ensure that those suspected of responsibility of killing(s) over alleged blasphemy are brought to justice, the Nigerian authorities continue to create a permissive environment for brutality.”

Sanusi emphasised that the reluctance of the government to address violence perpetrated in the name of religion has effectively conveyed the message that individuals can commit egregious abuses under the guise of religion and evade accountability.

“It is never too late for the Nigerian authorities to rearrest those suspected of killing Deborah Samuel and ensure that they face justice through fair trial.

“Nigerian authorities have an obligation under Nigerian and international human rights law to protect lives and to uphold the rule of law,” Sanusi added

Headline

Nine-year-old Stabs Pupil,10, To Death On While Returning From School In South Africa

Published

1 day ago

May 11, 2024

Editor

A nine-year-old boy stabbed a 10-year-old boy to death after they got into a fight while on their way home from school in Brandfort, Free State, South Africa.

South African Police Service (SAPS) Free State spokesperson, Captain Stephen Thakeng, who confirmed the incident on Friday, May 10, 2024, said the nine-year-old boy went to his house to retrieve a knife, returned and stabbed the deceased to death.

“It is alleged that two schoolboys, from different schools, were on their way to their respective homes on 08 May 2024 at about 16:00 when a fight reportedly broke out between them,” he said.

“Preliminary investigations reveal that the nine-year-old boy went to get a knife from his home nearby and returned, stabbing the 10-year-old boy.

“Police were informed about the incident and upon arrival, found a 10-year-old boy still in school uniform lying inside the ambulance with a stab wound on the left side of his chest.

“The paramedics pointed out a silver stainless steel knife with a black handle on the ground.

“The boy was certified dead at the scene in one of the streets of Nomzamo Park, Majwemasweu, Brandfort. The mother identified the deceased as her son.

“Both are Grade 4 learners in different primary schools in Brandfort. An inquest has been registered and the nine-year-old child was handed over to his parents to be referred to social workers.” he added.

Also confirming the incident, the Free State Education MEC, Makalo Mohale, identified the deceased as Kamogelo Leepile, a learner at WSM Malotle Primary School in Brandfort.

This incident happened in full view of other learners who were on their way home.

Mohale said that Kamogelo Leepile was stabbed three times by the grade 4 learner from Monamodi Primary School.

The Free State Education Spokesperson Howard Ndaba said the suspect who according to his mother, has complained of consistent bullying by the deceased and his brother was taken to the police station on Thursday morning 9 May.

MEC Mohale has called on schools to be safe spaces for both learners and teachers.

Mohale said the incident can only be described as “ abhorrent and travesty “.’

“We strongly condemn any acts of learner misconduct including bullying and relentlessly appeal to parents in assisting to enforce discipline in and outside the school environment.”

Psycho-social services have been sent to both schools to provide counselling.