Latest news with #InternationalOrganizationforMigration
Observer
19 hours ago
- Health
- Observer
UN: 80,000 displaced by south Syria violence
Nearly 80,000 people have been displaced by sectarian violence in southern Syria that began last week, the UN's migration agency said on Friday. In a statement, the International Organization for Migration said "79,339 people have been displaced since July 13, including 20,019 on July 17", adding that water, electricity and telecomms services in Sweida had 'collapsed' and fuel shortages had crippled transportation and emergency logistics. Armed tribes supported by Syria's government clashed with Druze fighters in the community's Sweida heartland on Friday, a day after the army withdrew under Israeli bombardment and diplomatic pressure. The United Nations called for an end to the 'bloodshed' and demanded an 'independent' investigation of the violence, which has claimed nearly 600 lives since Sunday, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The renewed fighting raised questions over the authority of interim leader Ahmed al Sharaa, whose interim government also has difficult relations with the Kurdish minority in the northeast and the Alawite minority on the Mediterranean coast. It was Al Sharaa who ordered government forces to pull out, saying that mediation by the United States and others had helped avert a "large-scale escalation" with Israel. In the corridors of the Sweida National Hospital, a foul odour emanated from the swollen and disfigured bodies piled up in refrigerated storage units, a correspondent reported. A small number of doctors and nurses at the hospital worked to treat the wounded arriving from the ongoing clashes, some in the hallways. Omar Obeid, a doctor at the government hospital, said that the facility has received "more than 400 bodies since Monday morning". "There is no more room in the morgue, the bodies are in the street" in front of the hospital, added Obeid, president of the Sweida branch of the Order of Physicians. Tribal reinforcements from across Syria gathered in villages around Sweida on Friday to reinforce local Bedouin, whose longstanding enmity towards the Druze erupted into violence last weekend. Anas al Enad, a tribal chief from the central city of Hama, said he and his men had made the journey to the village of Walgha, northwest of Sweida, because "the Bedouin called for our help and we came to support them". The Britain-based Observatory said "the deployment of tribal fighters to Sweida province was facilitated by government forces, because government forces are unable to deploy to Sweida under the terms of the security agreement with Israel". Israel, which bombed the Syrian military in Sweida and Damascus earlier this week to put pressure on the government to withdraw, said on Friday that it was sending aid to the Druze community in Sweida. "In light of the recent attacks targeting the Druze community in Sweida and the severe humanitarian situation in the area, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has ordered the urgent transfer of humanitarian aid to the Druze population in the region", the foreign ministry said. The nearly $600,000 package includes food parcels and medical supplies, the ministry said. A ceasefire was supposed to take effect on Thursday, but Al Sharaa's office accused Druze fighters of violating it. Sweida has been heavily damaged in the fighting and its mainly Druze inhabitants have been deprived of water and electricity, while communication lines have been cut. — AFP
Libya Review
2 days ago
- Politics
- Libya Review
Libya Concludes Workshop on Human Trafficking
The Libyan Center for Criminal Research and Training has concluded a specialized workshop on combating human trafficking and migrant smuggling, held in cooperation with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The workshop was part of the National Initiative of the Public Prosecution Authority aimed at tackling transnational crimes, and was hosted at the Center's headquarters in Tripoli. Twenty prosecutors from the Office of the Attorney General participated in the training, alongside international experts from partner organizations. Discussions focused on irregular migration, the complexities of migrant smuggling networks, and human trafficking crimes — all analyzed from both national and international legal perspectives. Strengthening Prosecution and International Cooperation The sessions explored ways to enhance the role of the Public Prosecution Authority in prevention and protection, as well as developing mechanisms for international cooperation to prosecute offenders, dismantle smuggling networks, and ensure justice without impunity. The initiative also reaffirmed Libya's commitment to human rights and the rule of law, highlighting the importance of a unified national approach in line with global efforts to combat cross-border crimes. This workshop is part of ongoing efforts to build the legal and institutional capacity of Libyan authorities in dealing with complex crimes and ensuring victims are protected while perpetrators are held accountable. Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations. Libya's economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya's economy. The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions. The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition. Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges. Tags: human traffickingIOMlibyaun
Daily Maverick
2 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Maverick
Eswatini accepts five ‘uniquely barbaric' foreign criminals deported from US
The deportees, from Cuba, Jamaica, Laos, Vietnam and Yemen, had criminal records which included convictions for murder, homicide and child rape. The Estwatini government has confirmed the arrival of US deportees with criminal records but insisted they posed no threat to the people of the country. US Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said the deportees, from Cuba, Jamaica, Laos, Vietnam and Yemen, had criminal records which included convictions for murder, homicide and child rape. They were 'so uniquely barbaric that their home countries refused to take them back', she added. Thabile Mdluli, the acting Eswatini government spokesperson, said that 'the government acknowledges the widespread concern' about the prisoners. 'Indeed, five inmates are currently housed in our correctional facilities in isolated units where people with similar offences are kept. The nation is assured that these inmates pose no threat to the country or its citizens.' She said the deportations followed months of engagement between Eswatini and the US, which would collaborate with the International Organization for Migration to return the five men to their countries of origin. She said Eswatini and the US had done 'rigorous risk assessments' to 'ensure the safety and security of citizens'. She added that Eswatini 'adheres to international agreements and diplomatic protocols regarding the repatriation of individuals, ensuring that due process and respect for human rights is followed'. Bheki Makhubu, who edits Eswatini's The Nation, told Daily Maverick he suspected that Eswatini had agreed to accept the convicts in exchange for avoiding US trade tariffs. He noted that the Trump administration had given Eswatini a complete pass on tariffs. 'Why would the US hit Lesotho with [50%] tariffs and leave us alone, unless they were negotiating with us to take their dangerous prisoners?' he asked. However, Makhubu also noted that the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa), which gives Eswatini and other African nations duty-free access to the US market, was due to expire in September, 'so we don't know what Trump might do. But hey, we've been nice to him so perhaps he'll return the favour.' Asked to comment about Makhubu's belief that Eswatini had made a deal to avoid tariffs, Mdluli said, 'Unfortunately, the terms of the agreement remain classified information, so what people say remains just that — speculation.' CBS News reported in May that the US had asked Eswatini, Angola, Benin, Equatorial Guinea, Libya, Moldova and Rwanda to accept migrants who are not their citizens. According to US and other media, the US programme is causing concern as the Trump administration appears to be asking countries regardless of their human rights records. In June, the US flew eight deportees to South Sudan after the US Supreme Court overturned a lower court ban on the grounds that the men had not been given an adequate opportunity to legally oppose their deportations. DM
Economic Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Economic Times
A poor, underdeveloped country with a population less than Dallas is giving Trump massive headache with illegal migrants
Synopsis Eswatini, a small African kingdom, has reversed its decision to accept five migrants deported by the United States. Initially agreeing to President Trump's conditions, Eswatini will now facilitate the return of migrants to their home countries, including Vietnam, Jamaica, and Cuba. This decision follows concerns about human rights and accusations of exploitation, sparking condemnation from opposition groups. AP FILE - Eswatini's King Mswati III addresses the Climate Action Summit in the United Nations General Assembly at U.N. headquarters, Sept. 23, 2019. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow, File) The tiny African kingdom of Eswatini announced Wednesday (July 16, 2025) that it would repatriate the five migrants who had been deported there by the United States. This development comes as a big issue for the Trump administration, as the African nation, which has a population less than many US cities, including Dallas, initially agreed to US President Donald Trump's conditions and was ready to accept the illegal immigrants, but now it is saying that these migrants will be sent back to their country of Africa's 39th largest economy, has a population less than that of Dallas. Its population size is 1.2 million people, while Dallas has a population of over 1.3 million. American officials said on Tuesday (July 15, 2025) that the migrants' home countries had refused to accept them. The migrants came from Vietnam, Jamaica, Laos, Yemen, and Cuba and had been serving time in American prisons for serious offenses, according to the Department of Homeland government spokesperson Thabile Mdluli said in a statement Wednesday that the governments of her country and the United States, together with the International Organization for Migration, will "facilitate the transit of these inmates to their countries of origin."The International Organization for Migration said that it had no involvement in the removal of the migrants from the United States and had not been asked to provide any support with repatriation. The Trump administration has worked aggressively to broker deals with international partners willing to take deportees. Legal experts have challenged the deportations because the migrants could be subject to mistreatment and the Supreme Court decision, immigration officials acted quickly to implement new regulations that allow the government to carry out third-country deportations in as little as six hours, even without assurances that the migrants will be safe. Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, is tucked between South Africa and Mozambique and has one of Africa's last ruling monarchies. The kingdom is divided between those who praise its adherence to tradition and those who argue that the lavish lifestyle of King Mswati III stands in painful contrast to the poverty afflicting many of the country's 1.2 million to World Eswatini's GDP forecast is $5 billion in 2024 and $4.8 billion projected for 2025 (current market prices). This Eswatini GDP growth forecast for 2024 and 2025 reflects an estimated growth rate of 4.2%.The economy of Eswatini has grown at an average annual growth rate of 2.8% in the last four years and is ranked the 39th largest economy in Africa, ahead of Dallas, there are also several other US cities that have a population greater than Eswatini. These include New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, and Miami, among others. Eswatini's economy is driven mainly by the services sector, which makes up over half of the country's economic output. Manufacturing, especially sugar production, along with agriculture, mining, and construction, also plays big roles. Eswatini depends heavily on South Africa for both trade and imports, with about 65% of exports and 75% of imports linked to its citizens of Eswatini and foreign governments have also raised concerns about the country's human rights record, accusing the government of using excessive, sometimes lethal, force against people who oppose the king. Those opposed to the monarchy were quick to condemn the arrival of the deportees."This is appalling," said Lioness Sibande, the secretary-general of the Swaziland Peoples Liberation Movement, an opposition group. She described the move as an example of the West's long history of exploiting African nations. "The West is always disrespecting us as Africans and thinking we are their dumpsite," she her statement, Mdluli, the government spokesperson, sought to temper the concerns of Eswatini citizens. She said the deportees were being held in isolation units at correctional decision to take migrants from the United States came after months of talks that included "rigorous risk assessments and careful consideration for the safety and security of citizens," she said. "The nation is assured that these inmates pose no threat to the country or its citizens." Mdluli added that she could not reveal what Eswatini received in return for taking the migrants because the terms of the agreement with the United States remain classified.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
A poor, underdeveloped country with a population less than Dallas is giving Trump massive headache with illegal migrants
The tiny African kingdom of Eswatini announced Wednesday (July 16, 2025) that it would repatriate the five migrants who had been deported there by the United States. This development comes as a big issue for the Trump administration, as the African nation, which has a population less than many US cities, including Dallas, initially agreed to US President Donald Trump's conditions and was ready to accept the illegal immigrants, but now it is saying that these migrants will be sent back to their country of origin. Eswatini, Africa's 39th largest economy, has a population less than that of Dallas. Its population size is 1.2 million people, while Dallas has a population of over 1.3 million. American officials said on Tuesday (July 15, 2025) that the migrants' home countries had refused to accept them. The migrants came from Vietnam, Jamaica, Laos, Yemen, and Cuba and had been serving time in American prisons for serious offenses, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category Digital Marketing Healthcare Public Policy PGDM MBA CXO Artificial Intelligence Degree Data Science Others Product Management Leadership Cybersecurity Operations Management MCA Technology Project Management Data Science Data Analytics Finance others Management healthcare Design Thinking Skills you'll gain: Digital Marketing Strategies Customer Journey Mapping Paid Advertising Campaign Management Emerging Technologies in Digital Marketing Duration: 12 Weeks Indian School of Business Digital Marketing and Analytics Starts on May 14, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Digital Marketing Strategy Search Engine Optimization (SEO) & Content Marketing Social Media Marketing & Advertising Data Analytics & Measurement Duration: 24 Weeks Indian School of Business Professional Certificate Programme in Digital Marketing Starts on Jun 26, 2024 Get Details Eswatini government spokesperson Thabile Mdluli said in a statement Wednesday that the governments of her country and the United States, together with the International Organization for Migration, will "facilitate the transit of these inmates to their countries of origin." The International Organization for Migration said that it had no involvement in the removal of the migrants from the United States and had not been asked to provide any support with repatriation. The Trump administration has worked aggressively to broker deals with international partners willing to take deportees. Legal experts have challenged the deportations because the migrants could be subject to mistreatment and torture. After the Supreme Court decision, immigration officials acted quickly to implement new regulations that allow the government to carry out third-country deportations in as little as six hours, even without assurances that the migrants will be safe. Live Events Where Is Eswatini, and How Big Are Its Population and Economy? Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, is tucked between South Africa and Mozambique and has one of Africa's last ruling monarchies. The kingdom is divided between those who praise its adherence to tradition and those who argue that the lavish lifestyle of King Mswati III stands in painful contrast to the poverty afflicting many of the country's 1.2 million people. According to World Eswatini's GDP forecast is $5 billion in 2024 and $4.8 billion projected for 2025 (current market prices). This Eswatini GDP growth forecast for 2024 and 2025 reflects an estimated growth rate of 4.2%. The economy of Eswatini has grown at an average annual growth rate of 2.8% in the last four years and is ranked the 39th largest economy in Africa, ahead of Burundi. Besides Dallas, there are also several other US cities that have a population greater than Eswatini. These include New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, and Miami, among others. Eswatini's economy is driven mainly by the services sector, which makes up over half of the country's economic output. Manufacturing, especially sugar production, along with agriculture, mining, and construction, also plays big roles. Eswatini depends heavily on South Africa for both trade and imports, with about 65% of exports and 75% of imports linked to its neighbor. Some citizens of Eswatini and foreign governments have also raised concerns about the country's human rights record, accusing the government of using excessive, sometimes lethal, force against people who oppose the king. Those opposed to the monarchy were quick to condemn the arrival of the deportees. "This is appalling," said Lioness Sibande, the secretary-general of the Swaziland Peoples Liberation Movement, an opposition group. She described the move as an example of the West's long history of exploiting African nations. "The West is always disrespecting us as Africans and thinking we are their dumpsite," she said. In her statement, Mdluli, the government spokesperson, sought to temper the concerns of Eswatini citizens. She said the deportees were being held in isolation units at correctional facilities. The decision to take migrants from the United States came after months of talks that included "rigorous risk assessments and careful consideration for the safety and security of citizens," she said. "The nation is assured that these inmates pose no threat to the country or its citizens." Mdluli added that she could not reveal what Eswatini received in return for taking the migrants because the terms of the agreement with the United States remain classified.
