In its 2019-2020 report, Amnesty International reported that Italy continued its policy of criminalizing of NGOs rescuing migrants in 2019 and that more policies hostile to refugees were introduced across Europe.
Malta has bowed to pressure and allowed 425 migrants to disembark four boats kept at sea for a month. PM Robert Abela cited a gas cylinder threat, activists' suicide bids, hunger strikes and illness for the decision.
Germany’s interior minister has called for his country to use its time in the EU presidency to strengthen the bloc’s border controls. But human rights groups say the move will hurt already-vulnerable refugees.
Tunisian authorities in recent days have stopped various attempts by migrants to illegally depart for Europe. During their operations, the authorities also seized cash linked to criminal activity.
The Italian research center CREA said that about 5 million foreigners now live in Italy, with 60% (3.1 million) calling rural parts of the country home. This marks an increase in rural foreign population of over 70% in the past deca1