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

SERIES: ANTI RACISM STRATEGY MALTA Action Plan 3: Hate speech and hate crime Malta’s anti-racism plan targets hate speech online and offline, introducing stronger data tracking, media responsibility, youth education and safeguards against emerging digital threats. CC picture What is Action 3 about? A society cannot claim to have "zero tolerance for racism" if it turns a blind eye to hate speech. Left unchecked, toxic rhetoric fuels processes of dehumanisation that ultimately

Series : The Root Causes of Migration In Senegal, many families are struggling after relatives disappeared or died while trying to reach Europe by sea. In the coastal city of Mbour, migration is both common and taboo, which makes grief even more difficult for children and families left behind. Many do not know exactly what happened to their loved ones and receive very little information after the journeys end in tragedy. A Senegalese child looking at the sea (CC picture from

Series : The Root Causes of Migration In the UK, asylum claims based on sexual orientation or gender identity are designed to protect people fleeing persecution. However, a recent BBC undercover investigation has raised concerns about abuse of this system and its potential consequences. A picture showing a person of colour holding an LGBTQ+ ribbon (CC picture from Pexels) It reveals an underground market of unregulated law firms, lawyers, and immigration advisors who allege

Series : The Root Causes of Migration In Germany, integration courses have long been a key step for asylum seekers and refugees trying to start a new life. These courses, typically including around 600 hours of German language instruction alongside a module on “living in Germany,” have helped structure the daily lives of many people in initial reception centers. They were especially important for those facing movement restrictions and, in most cases, a work ban of at least s

SERIES: ANTI RACISM STRATEGY MALTA Action Plan 2: Ownership of anti-racism governance Malta is embedding anti-racism across all levels of government, ensuring accountability, inclusive policymaking, and stronger collaboration with civil society and political actors CC Picture What is action 2 about? Eradicating racism cannot be treated as a side project or the responsibility of a single department; it requires a unified commitment from the very top. Building on the foundatio

Series : The Root Causes of Migration As several countries, particularly in Europe, intensify the deportation of Afghan refugees, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) is warning of the dangers of returning people to Afghanistan. The country remains in the grip of a severe humanitarian crisis, where large segments of the population are already suffering from hunger and a lack of essential services. A picture showing Afghan refugees (CC picture) The IRC has raised alarms

SERIES: ANTI RACISM STRATEGY MALTA Action Plan 1: Development and reform of legislation and its ownership to strengthen anti-racism policy in Malta Malta’s new anti-racism plan strengthens laws, enforcement and workplace inclusion to ensure zero tolerance for discrimination across society. It is deployed in a total of 10 action plans aimed at covering the most strategic aspect of integration. CC Picture What is Action 1 about? For a country to thrive as an integrated and mul

Series : The Root Causes of Migration For years, Morocco has mainly served as a transit country for migrants from sub-Saharan Africa seeking to reach Europe. But the situation is changing : more and more people are staying put, sometimes for long periods, or even permanently. This shift is transforming rural areas in particular, where the local workforce is dwindling and migrants are becoming essential to the agricultural economy. A picture of a Sub-Saharan migrant working i

Series : The Root Causes of Migration In a context of growing precarity among platform workers in France, several delivery rider-support-associations have decided to take legal action. They denounce a system which, in their view, exploits a vulnerable workforce, largely made up of immigrants, within a legal vacuum that has persisted for a decade. A picture showing a delivery rider (CC picture from Pexels) On April 22, these four associations including the Maison des Livreurs

Malta’s National Action Plan Against Racism envisions an inclusive and fair society with zero tolerance for racism and xenophobia. Launched in November 2025, the strategy relies on a whole-of-government and intersectional approach to eliminate structural inequalities and foster a harmonious multicultural society. To strengthen legal and governance frameworks, the plan outlines the establishment of a National Human Rights Institution to handle discrimination cases and a revie

20 journalists in Italy require permanent police protection due to the increasingly severe threats they face, according to a report published in April 2026 by the Civil Liberties Union for Europe (Liberties). Journalists’ safety across Europe has reached a critical point. In 2025, violence, smear campaigns and surveillance targeting reporters intensified, with incidents including explosive attacks in Italy and Greece. Malta was also among the countries flagged for escalating

Series : The Root Causes of Migration Flooding, displacement, and worsening economic conditions are deepening the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, where more than 22 million people now require assistance and protection, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The situation reflects a stark reality highlighted by Othman Belbeisi, IOM Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, who warns that “Communities are resilient, but needs are immense”.

A new online course for more accurate and non-discriminatory information. In an increasingly polarized media landscape, particularly around migration issues, a European initiative is offering practical resources to information professionals. Since March 25, 2026, a fully free educational platform has been open to the general public. Regine Nguini delivered the MILD training to Journalism students at MCAST Mosta on March 2026. Photo AMAM. All rights reserved A collective proj

Series : The Root Causes of Migration The escalating tensions in the Middle East continue to destabilise a region already affected by prolonged crises. In a recent situation report, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) warns of a rapid deterioration in the security and humanitarian situation, which could lead to mass population displacement if no preventive action is taken. A picture showing the difficult situation in Lebanon, source : free picture from NRC (No