refugees and migrants
Wednesday 5.8.2020 Malaysia - Latest Developments -
Malaysian police ramp up persecution of Al Jazeera, journalists and activists to stifle criticism
Since April 2020, there has been a systematic campaign of judicial harassment by the Perikatan Nasional government targeting the media and journalists for their reporting, including independent news outlet Malaysiakini and Al Jazeera. The authorities are pursuing activists and government critics, as well as opposition parliamentarians, using an array of restrictive laws to stifle criticism. Individuals calling for or holding peaceful protests have also been questioned or arrested. Read more
Friday 31.7.2020 Finland - Latest Developments -
Ombudsperson investigates complaints of police participation in Black Lives Matter protest
On 3rd June 2020, following mass protests against racism in the US after the death of George Floyd, a Black man, by a Minneapolis police officer, thousands peacefully gathered in Helsinki for a Black Lives Matter (BLM) protest. However, 16 complaints were filed against the police for double standards as some officers took part in the protest and allowed people to gather despite COVID-19 restrictions. The matter is currently being investigated by the parliamentary ombudsperson.
Read more
Thursday 16.7.2020 Greece - Latest Developments -
New laws pose a threat to NGO’s working on asylum issues and restrict the right to protest
During the first half of 2020, several laws which seek to further curtail NGOs working in areas of asylum, migration and social inclusion were introduced by the Greek government. The regulations make provision for an NGO registry which contains details on the organisation, members, employees and associates. Several civil society organisations, international organisations and legal experts believe that the law is yet another politicised attempt to curtail asylum. In addition to the above, the Greek Minister for Immigration and Asylum in April 2020 introduced a bill titled “Improvement of Migration Law” which makes provision for the systematic detention of asylum seekers whose appeals have been rejected. In addition, it allows the substitution of open refugee camps on the islands with ‘closed controlled centres’. In another concerning development, the Greek parliment passed a law which seeks to restrict the right to protest. Following this, ten thousand people gathered outside parliament, with banners stating, “hands off demonstrations”. Read more
Friday 3.7.2020 Taiwan - Latest Developments -
Protests on migrant worker conditions and discrimination against indigenous people in Taiwan
In recent months there have been protests by migrant workers and migrant rights NGOs against poor working conditions. There were also protests linked to the Black Lives Matter movement highlighting discrimination against indigenous people. At the end of June 2020, one of the few Pride marches was held in Taiwan. The country dropped one place in the Reporters Without Borders press freedom index in April 2020 Read more
Wednesday 17.6.2020 Croatia - Latest Developments -
Journalists face lawsuits and attacks; media outlets face possibility of closure due to pandemic
Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, government introduced some economic assistance measures. However, there have not been any specific measures intended to help CSOs during the pandemic. Despite restrictions on movement, citizens have used alternative ways of protesting during the pandemic. There were concerning developments around freedom of expression during the reporting period. The Croatian Journalists' Association (HND) conducted a survey which found that there were 905 lawsuits against journalists and media outlets in Croatia. There were several cases involving physical or verbal attacks against journalists during the reporting period. In addition, media outlets face economic challenges, with the threat of closures and layoffs due to the pandemic.
Read more
Monday 15.6.2020 Portugal - Latest Developments -
Dock workers adversely impacted by state of emergency during pandemic
A state of emergency was announced on 20th March 2020 due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. It remained in place until 3rd May 2020, before shifting into a state of “calamity” until 17th May 2020. During the state of emergency the President suspended the right to strike and right to resistance (article 21) which are essential rights in the Constitution. However, dock workers who were striking prior to the emergency were adversely affected. In April 2020, the state of emergency was renewed with a new disposition. In article 4C of the updated declaration, workers’ unions were not allowed to take part in labour negotiations and in specific negotiations of measures affecting workers’ rights and state support. Only the representatives of the owners of companies were included. Read more
Wednesday 27.5.2020 Australia - Latest Developments -
Continued concerns about privacy and freedoms in Australia, following civic space rating downgrade
The Australian government has continued to introduce bills that could undermine fundamental freedoms. These include the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Amendment Bill 2020 that expands counter-terrorism powers and the Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (International Production Orders) Bill 2020 which raises privacy concerns. Further, the coronavirus contact tracing app has raised human rights concerns while Australia’s press freedom ranking has dropped. Read more
Thursday 14.5.2020 Papua New Guinea - Latest Developments -
Journalists targeted in PNG amid the COVID-19 pandemic while nurses strike over lack of protection
In recent months, two journalists were targeted for their reporting related to COVID-19 while those spreading misinformation have been threatened with criminal sanctions. Further, nurses went on strike because of the lack of measures and equipment to protect them from the virus. Read more
Tuesday 12.5.2020 Germany - Latest Developments -
Far-right protest against lockdown restrictions; activists protest in creative ways during COVID-19
Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic there is a ban in place for gatherings of over 20 people. Despite this, a number of demonstrations have been held. Far-right groups gathered to protest governments confinement measures. Meanwhile, far- left groups gathered for May Day protests and called for solidarity towards refugees. In a worrying development, there have been two seperate incidents where media crews were attacked during protests. Read more
Thursday 7.5.2020 Tunisia - Latest Developments -
Protests over economic conditions under COVID-19; journalists face threats for critical reporting
Despite a national lockdown being implemented on 22nd March 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, protests erupted in various regions over economic conditions, the quality of quarantine facilities and detention facilities. Journalists and bloggers have also faced threats and criminal prosecutions for critical reports around the governments response to the pandemic. Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) have also faced prosecution or torture. Read more
