Unwelcome Refugees

PHOTO: JASPER GILARDICoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been the greatest disruption to the movement of people since World War II. Many who had plans—and permission—to move permanently from one country to another have seen their transition put on hold. Worldwide, the flows of tourists, business and professional travelers, and students…

(BERLIN) — Two former members of Syria’s secret police go on trial Thursday in Germany accused of crimes against humanity for their role in a government-run detention center where large numbers of opposition protesters were tortured. The trial of Anwar R. and Eyad A., whose last names weren’t released because…

By Simon Marks April 22, 2020 Ethiopia has stopped granting automatic asylum to Eritreans entering the country. The United Nations and aid groups say the previously unannounced policy change, which went into place about three months ago, put Eritreans trying to flee the country at the mercy of unscrupulous human…

War and unrest around the world have forced over 70 million people from their homes. Up to 10 million live in refugee camps or unofficial settlements. Experts are warning that lack of medical services and low rates of testing for the new coronavirus leave those displaced at risk. Jan Egeland…

During Easter week, almost 1,000 people attempted to escape from Libya by sea. Half of them were found and pushed back by Libyan militias; the other half were left to their fate by the European authorities. After rescuing more than 150 people, the German ship Aylan Kurdi was made to wait more…

BERLIN (AP) — Six years ago Wassim Mukdad fled Syria, demoralized and fearing for his life as the country spiraled ever deeper into all-out war. This week, the 34-year-old will come face-to-face with the man accused of running a government detention center where Mukdad and thousands of others were tortured…

BERLIN (AP) — Six years ago Wassim Mukdad fled Syria, demoralized and fearing for his life as the country spiraled ever deeper into all-out war.This week, the 34-year-old will come face-to-face with the man accused of running a government detention center where Mukdad and thousands of others were tortured during…

Berlin (AFP) - When Anwar al-Bunni crossed paths with fellow Syrian Anwar Raslan in a DIY store in Germany five years ago, he recognised him as the man who had thrown him in jail a decade earlier.On Thursday, the two men will face each other in a German court, where…

Some 50 unaccompanied refugee children have been flown to Germany from Greece despite COVID-19 concerns. Critics say the number is paltry and the EU is leaving Greece on its own as it hurtles toward another catastrophe. Athens Airport is usually buzzing with tourists and business travelers this time of year.…

German newspaper correspondent Robin Alexander's meticulously researched account of government policies around the fall of 2015, when Angela Merkel opened the borders to refugees, is a page-turner — and now a movie. The coronavirus pandemic is proving to be a fateful situation for governments and political leaders around the world.…