Series: The Root Causes of Migration Behind the fall in asylum applications in Portugal lies a more complex reality: fewer people are applying for protection, but thousands are still waiting for an answer. For those seeking safety, the numbers tell only part of the story. According to the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA), Portugal registered 1,763 new asylum applications in 2025, compared with 2,797 in 2024, which represents a drop of 37%. This decline follows a broad

SERIES: ANTI RACISM STRATEGY MALTA Action Plan 7: Specific forms of racism and intersectionality Malta’s anti-racism plan targets specific forms of discrimination by introducing tailored measures to combat anti-Muslim hatred, antisemitism, anti-Black racism, and other intersecting prejudices. CC Picture What is Action 7 about? To effectively combat discrimination, a society must acknowledge the unique ways it manifests against different communities. Action 7 adopts a targete

Refugee Week Malta 2026 came to a powerful and vibrant close with Spark Fest, a community gathering that brought people together through music, food, speeches, cultural sharing and collective reflection. Held on 21 June 2026, from 4pm to 11pm, at Ġnien il-Kunsill tal-Ewropa in Gżira, the event marked the closing celebration of a week dedicated to courage, belonging and solidarity. Picture of “Cultural Sharings” African Media Association Malta. All Rights Reserved Organised by

Human trafficking remains a severe human rights violation that often operates invisibly within communities. To bring this critical issue to light, the Foundation for Social Welfare Services and the International Organization for Migration are hosting a Human Trafficking Public Awareness Day. Information day poster of the event (Source: fondi.eu ) This vital gathering is scheduled to take place on the 26th of June, running from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM directly in front of the Qawr

To honor people seeking sanctuary and celebrate the strength, resilience and contributions of displaced populations worldwide, the international community observes World Refugee Day annually on the 20th of June. This year, in a world increasingly shaped by displacement and division, Malta hosted two significant events - as part of Refugee Week Malta Festival - that created a space for reflection, dialogue and collective action. These gatherings organised by Dance Beyond Bord

Food is universal. It carries memories and traditions, and has a unique way of bringing people together across cultures and backgrounds. This spirit was beautifully represented at the Valletta Design Cluster, which transformed into a vibrant space of shared heritage for “Bridging Culture through Food”. Held on the 19th of June in the framework of Refugee week Malta 2026, the community cooking workshop celebrated culture, connection and the courage found in every journey. “C

Cinema became a powerful space for reflection and shared humanity at the historic Palazzo De Piro in Mdina. Across three evenings, from 17 to 19 June 2026, the venue opened its doors for a profound cinematic experience co-produced by Refugee Week Malta and ADFC’s Rooftop Series Fringe. Opening speech before the screening of the films. Pictures African Media Association Malta. All Rights Reserved The opening night, which I attended on June 17th, featured a compelling lineup. T

What does it mean to leave behind a place you once called home? What does it take to rebuild your life elsewhere, to find belonging in a new society, and to keep moving forward despite uncertainty? These were some of the questions at the heart of “ORRAJT – On the Road: Courageous Routes, Shared Journeys”, an intercultural walk organised by GMD Training and Consultancy Services Ltd as part of Refugee Week Malta 2026. This event is happening in two sessions. The first walk took

For years, discussions about migrants, refugees and racialized communities in Europe have often followed a familiar pattern. They appear in headlines during crises, political disputes or security debates, yet rarely as experts, professionals or protagonists of their own stories. A new European campaign launching this month wants to challenge that pattern. A working session by the MILD Consortium during a partner meeting in Madrid in February 2026 Beginning on 15 June and runn

As part of Refugee Week Malta, a comedy workshop series was organised to explore humour, storytelling and self-expression. The comedy show was hosted and organised by Precious Orogun, while the workshop itself was led by Niti Dhingra, founder and CEO of Two Black Cat Comedy, who guided participants in developing their comedic voice and preparing for a live stage performance. On the evening of the performance, Precious Orogun is set to co-host the event with MGRM (Malta LGBTIQ

SERIES: ANTI RACISM STRATEGY MALTA Action Plan 6: Structural racism Malta is addressing structural racism by reforming workplaces and policymaking processes, introducing audits, inclusive practices and stronger support systems to tackle hidden discrimination across society. CC Picture What is Action 6 about? Racism is often deeply embedded within a society’s history, cultural foundations, and everyday norms. This form of discrimination, known as structural racism, is reflecte

Refugee Week Malta 2026 opened with an evening dedicated to encounter, reflection and shared experience. The launch event, held on 2 June 2026, brought together several participants to discover this year’s programme and reflect on the festival’s central theme: Courage. CC picture of the presentation of the Refugee Week Malta 2026 This theme was expressed locally through the Maltese word “Qlubija”. Throughout the event, courage was presented not only as an individual strength

SERIES: ANTI RACISM STRATEGY MALTA Action Plan 5: Representation Malta is strengthening representation by amplifying marginalised voices through community outreach and national initiatives, ensuring that those affected by racism actively shape policies and public dialogue. CC Picture What is Action 5 about? Discrimination cannot effectively be addressed without listening to those who experience it daily. This plan identifies the meaningful and effective representation of rac

Series: The Root Causes of Migration Spain’s ongoing regularisation campaign is raising hopes among thousands of migrant workers employed in the country’s vast greenhouse industry. Many have spent years working without legal status, often enduring low wages, precarious housing, and limited access to basic services. By obtaining legal documentation, workers expect better pay, improved working conditions, and greater opportunities to participate fully in Spanish society. A mig

Series : The Root Causes of Migration At the Council of Europe’s annual meeting in Chișinău, Moldova, European ministers approved a new interpretation of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), aiming to give states more flexibility in managing migration and deportations. Although the declaration is not legally binding, it could strongly influence future court decisions regarding asylum, deportation, and family reunification policies across Europe. A picture showing

Series : The Root Causes of Migration In recent weeks, eastern Libya has seen a sharp rise in the discovery of migrant bodies, alongside an increase in departures along what is known as the “Tobruk route.” This trend highlights how migration flows toward Europe are increasingly shaped by shifting enforcement pressures and a growing, highly profitable smuggling economy. In an interview, researcher Tarek Lamloum argues that these deaths are not accidental but closely tied to a

SERIES: ANTI RACISM STRATEGY MALTA Action Plan 4: Training Malta is investing in anti-racism education by training law enforcement, public servants, and key professionals to strengthen cultural awareness and ensure more inclusive and equitable services across society. CC Picture What is Action 4 about? Building truly equitable and inclusive requires more than new legislation and governance structures, it also demands widespread education. Recognising that systemic change dep

Migration often comes with an unspoken expectation: to adapt, to blend in, and to belong. In the process, many migrants gradually adjust not only their environment, but also their behaviours, perspectives, and sometimes, the values they were raised with. For many Africans living abroad, this adjustment can go further than necessary. In the effort to integrate, there is sometimes a quiet tendency to shrink or downplay the values that shaped us those rooted in family, community