[This is a roundup of news articles and other materials circulating on the topic of refugees, migrants, and IDPs and reflects a wide variety of opinions. It does not reflect the views of the Refugees and Migrants Page Editors or of Jadaliyya. It is updated monthly. You may send your own recommendations for inclusion in each month's roundup to info@jadaliyya.com.]
Two migrants dead and more than 200 rescued in shipwreck off Lebanese coast
A boat carrying 232 migrants was found in distress off the coast of Selaata, north of Beirut. Lebanon’s navy and UN peacekeepers were able to rescue most migrants; however, two died. There were Lebanese, Syrian, and Palestinian men, women, and children on the boat.
Syrians-Barometer. A framework for achieving social cohesion with Syrians in Turkey
This article is a comprehensive annual field study on the subject of Syrians in Turkey. The research centers on understanding and analyzing social encounters, opinions, attitudes, and perceptions through surveys and focus group meetings with Turkish society and Syrians. It observes trends of change to suggest policy recommendations.
IOM: Migrants repatriated to Libya decreased by 24% in 2022
While there has been a 24% decrease in repatriation to Libya, the number of those who went missing at sea has risen. There was also a 21% decrease in the number of persons who drowned along the Central Mediterranean Route.
'Most wanted' human trafficker arrested in Sudan
Kidane Zekarias Habtemariam, a human trafficker known for being “particularly cruel and violent against migrants,” was arrested in Sudan. This arrest was part of a UAE-led international police operation. Interpol has placed two red notices on Habtemariam. He will first face charges of money laundering in the UAE.
10 things you need to know about the potential Syria border closure
The closure of Syria’s border with Turkey will pose a serious risk to people in Northwest Syria. More families will be expected to experience starvation, poverty, difficult winters, and mental health crises. The Syria Resilience Consortium urges the UNSC to renew the Bab al-Hawa crossing, increase its mandate, and ensure the reopening of other closed crossings.
Greece: Somali man beats life sentence for migrant smuggling
In 2021, Mohammad Hanad Abdi was sentenced to 142 years in prison after being convicted for a deadly crossing in a dinghy from Turkey to Lesbos. An appeals court judge has ordered his release. Several members of the European Parliament argued Abdi had been wrongfully convicted.
Spain repatriates 2 women, 13 children from Syrian camps
Spain has repatriated 2 women and 13 children from refugee camps in Syria. The two women were widows of fighters in the Islamic State group, and the children were under their care.
Morocco raises migrants' jail time over Melilla stampede
Following a June 2022 stampede to reach Melilla from Morocco, 23 people died. Morocco and Spain’s governments insist the migrants are to blame for this catastrophe. As such, a Moroccan court has increased the sentences of 13 migrants due to illegal entry and violence against law enforcement officials.
Fears of migrant deaths from Middle East countries rise after bodies found in eastern Poland
Along their border with Belarus, Polish officials have found 3 bodies in an area where thousands of migrants from the Middle East and Africa have attempted to enter the EU. One of the bodies is confirmed to be a Yemeni doctor. The other two have not been confirmed but are suspected to be migrants.
Moroccan Migrants who escaped from plane provisionally released in Spain
After a passenger claimed to suffer from diabetic shock on a plane from Morocco to Istanbul, the plane made an emergency landing at the Son Sant Joan Airport in Mallorca. While the plane was on the tarmac, a group of Moroccans stormed off and ran towards the fence surrounding the airport. Spanish authorities arrested them and believe the group planned the event to attain entry to the EU.
Italian ministers in Tunisia, Egypt to discuss migration, repatriations
Italian and Tunisian ministries for foreign affairs and the interior met to discuss stopping migration flows and stability in the Mediterranean. This follows Italy’s far-right government’s decree to limit NGOs' rescue capacities at sea. Italy’s officials also plan to meet with Egypt’s officials.
How writing became my refuge as a woman escaping South Sudan’s war
Following the violent clashes in her hometown in South Sudan, Christine Onzia Wani documents her lived experiences in the Bidi Bidi resettlement camp in northern Uganda. She describes how writing and journalism provided the avenue to overcome the trauma of leaving South Sudan and tell stories about the strength of other refugees.
Libya: Migrant shipwreck kills 8, dozens still missing
A boat carrying at least 150 migrants capsized off the Libyan town of Garabulli. This has led to 8 deaths, 84 survivors, and 58 missing. The survivors were taken to state-run detention centers for migrants. Eyewitnesses to the tragedy said the migrants sought to reach Italy.
Hunger soars to 12-year high in Syria, WFP chief calls for urgent action
Syria’s food insecurity crisis has led to 70% of the population being unable to put food on the table for their families. The UN World Food Programme has stated this humanitarian crisis could lead to another wave of mass migration. The 12-year conflict has harmed prominent food sources. This includes East Ghouta, an area known as the breadbasket of Damascus. The bombardment has destroyed their fruit orchards and produce, leaving many communities to be displaced.