Background:
Mixed Migration in the Middle East
In June, additional Syrians were displaced to Jordan’s border area following ramped up military campaigns by the Syrian regime to capture remaining opposition areas, with 60,000 to 120,000 people gathering near the Al-Nasib border crossing, which remains closed to entry. Meanwhile in Lebanon, migrant domestic workers demonstrated for more rights under the Kefala system this month, on the day of the International Domestic Worker, calling for an end to administrative detention and consequences for exploitative recruitment agencies, amongst other demands. At least 300 Syrians returned from Lebanon’s border area, Arsal, this month, partly attributable to the deteriorating public and State stance towards their presence in the country. Until now this has been punctuated by a series of eviction campaigns by local authorities across rural Lebanon, not to mention scarce employment opportunities, despite evidence that Syria is not yet safe for dignified return.
In Iraq, executions for those convicted of “terrorism” links to the so-called Islamic State were expedited this month, implementing the death penalty for 12 individuals. This denotes potential implications for the at least 1,300 foreign women and children being held in the country for similar alleged convictions. It is reported that children as young as 9 face potential prosecution and are being detained in overcrowded and concerning conditions. Regarding returns to Iraq, almost 600,000 individuals have reportedly returned to areas of origin in 2018 alone, forming part of a total figure of 3.8 million, alongside the 2 million still internally displaced within the country. Nonetheless, a number of obstacles continue to complicate return, slowing the return rate in recent months, including property destruction, scarce livelihood opportunities and a lack of security in areas of origin.
Along the Eastern Mediterranean route to Europe, between 500 and 1,000 Kurdish asylum seekers that fled Moria migrant processing centre to another area of Greece have been threatened with deportation to Turkey by the Greek Migration Ministry. Reports indicate evidence of sectarian violence occurring within camps on the islands, as deteriorating conditions and decreasing prospects for timely resettlement increase tension within camp communities. The group appealed to Greek and EU authorities for protection within a designated camp area, alongside accelerated processing. In Turkey, LGBT asylum seekers demonstrated for increased resettlement opportunities in light of reported homophobic and transphobic attacks, and diminishing opportunities for regular movement to countries that traditionally support these claims such as Canada and the USA.
All 16 EU member states gathered this month to discuss migration policy priorities and the future of the Common European Asylum System as regards mechanisms and funding. The issue of ‘regional disembarkation platforms’ was proposed as a means to conduct third country processing of asylum claims for individuals identified during Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, despite criticism from key human rights actors and agencies that this approach prioritises border protection over the safety of individuals. Meanwhile, the Aquarius SAR vessel was stranded at sea for nine days with 629 lives on board this month, as disputes over responsibility sharing ensued between Italy and other European States. This event serves as a pointed reminder of the ongoing discord within the EU towards equitable migration and asylum governance, directly impacting upon the right to seek asylum of those crossing the Mediterranean in the meantime.
