Author: aidez

This does not mean that technology companies are responsible for migration, or that they are deliberately encouraging people to cross European borders so that they can make money. The relationship is more complicated. The issue is that irregular migration has become a significant political priority, and governments are spending substantial amounts of public money responding …

Read more “The Business of the Border – How Tech Profits From Europe’s Migration System”

Rather than working as a direct service provider, PICUM operates as a policy and advocacy platform, connecting grassroots organisations, researchers, and institutions to influence how migration is understood and governed in Europe. Their work includes engagement with European institutions such as the European Commission, the European Parliament, and UN bodies. They produce research, coordinate advocacy …

Read more “Aidez Nous à Aider Joins PICUM”

Ceuta has re-emerged as one of the most pressured and symbolically important border points in the migration landscape between North Africa and Europe. Recent reporting highlights a dramatic increase in attempted crossings into the Spanish enclave, with figures rising by more than 300%. While these numbers may appear sudden, they are actually part of a …

Read more “Ceuta and the Changing Routes of Migration: Understanding the 300% Rise in Crossings”

Sharing our current projects A big part of the webinar was dedicated to presenting our ongoing work and explaining what it looks like on the ground. We went into detail about how these projects are structured, how they are evolving, and how they directly involve migrants in both decision-making and implementation. The conversation highlighted how …

Read more “Online Webinar Recap – Our Projects, Our Process, and What Comes Next”

Over the past decades, rural Morocco has experienced significant demographic and economic shifts. Many local workers have moved away from agricultural labour, relocating to urban areas in search of more stable income, improved working conditions, and diversified employment opportunities. This rural-to-urban transition has created a structural labour shortage in agriculture, especially in labour-intensive sectors such …

Read more “Undocumented Labour and Morocco’s Agricultural Dependency”

ALSO READ: Europe’s Outsourced Borders The policy comes at a time when Spain is facing clear demographic and economic pressures. Like many European countries, Spain is dealing with an aging population and a shrinking native workforce. At the same time, key sectors of the economy—such as agriculture, construction, hospitality, logistics, and elderly care—are experiencing persistent …

Read more “Spain Moves Forward With Major Regularization Plan for 500,000 Undocumented Migrants”

Why Shoes? We chose footwear from canvas shoes to slip on sneakers, including women’s slip on shoes, men’s slip on shoes—for a very specific reason. For many migrants, shoes are not just clothing. During migration journeys, especially across borders, shoes are often confiscated by police, leaving people forced to continue without basic protection. This not …

Read more “Merch by Migrants: Ethical Fashion That Supports Human Rights and Real Change”

Recent tragedies have pushed the numbers sharply upward. In just ten days, more than 180 people are believed to have died in multiple shipwrecks along the Central Mediterranean route, the most dangerous migration corridor in the world. Stretching between North Africa and Southern Europe, this route has long been used by migrants fleeing conflict, poverty, …

Read more “More Than 180 Feared Dead as Mediterranean Death Toll Nears 1,000 in 2026”

Over the past two decades, EU migration policy has increasingly relied on what is commonly called the externalization of borders. In practice, this means migration control is extended far beyond Europe’s physical territory, often through funding, training, and cooperation agreements with transit countries. This system has had a direct impact on North Africa migration routes, …

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In recent years, questions around global migration governance have increasingly focused on transparency, accountability, and the role of digital tools in documenting human rights violations. One emerging question is whether there are apps or platforms that track incidents of illegal pushbacks at borders. While there is no single official application universally recognized for this purpose, …

Read more “Are There Any Apps or Platforms That Track Incidents of Illegal Pushbacks?”

Also Read: Europe’s Externalized Borders Closely tied to this is the right to seek asylum, which is recognized in international human rights frameworks such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. While this right does not guarantee that asylum will be granted, it does guarantee that individuals must be given access to a fair process …

Read more “Why Pushbacks Are Illegal”

Building a Safe and Empowering Hub The event opened with a presentation from ANA founder Brynn Campbell, who outlined the urgent need for a physical office and safe workspace for migrants. The envisioned space will offer: Participants shared firsthand experiences of overcrowded living conditions and the lack of stable environments for study or work. The …

Read more “Highlights from ANA’s June 21 Webinar”

We recently sat down with Maureen Torr, founder of Joys Centre, for a conversation about the journey from building trust to building impact. What emerged was more than an interview — it was a reflection on how grassroots organizations from different parts of the world can join forces to create real, lasting change. A Shared …

Read more “Building Trust, Creating Impact: A Conversation with Maureen Torr of Joys Centre”

This partnership is not just a symbolic alliance; it’s a practical, hands-on collaboration rooted in shared values and mutual goals. Both our organizations recognize that digital literacy is no longer optional—it’s essential. In a world increasingly driven by technology, knowing how to navigate the digital space opens doors to education, employment, creative expression, and long-term …

Read more “Joining Forces for Digital Empowerment: Our New Partnership with Restore Hope for Street Children in Kenya”

Her journey from the corporate world to cultural entrepreneurship reflects a deep commitment to supporting African-made products and small businesses. She recognized early on the gap in visibility and opportunity for African artisans and entrepreneurs on the global stage. This inspired her to create a platform that not only showcases African talent but also ensures …

Read more “Empowering African Entrepreneurs – An Interview with Randa Orhin”

In our conversation, Donatus explored the vital connection between policy development and lived experience, and how meaningful reform can only come when the people directly affected are included in shaping the conversation. Drawing from his work in migration policy and advocacy, Donatus emphasized the importance of designing systems that reflect compassion, dignity, and reality — …

Read more “Policy, Humanity, and the Right to Belong – A Conversation with Donatus Ozemhoya”

What Is Border Externalization? Border externalization is a policy strategy in which countries — most often wealthy nations in the Global North — relocate their immigration control mechanisms far beyond their own territorial boundaries. Instead of focusing solely on managing migration at national frontiers or ports of entry, they increasingly rely on bilateral agreements, financial …

Read more “Europe’s Externalized Borders”

Historical and Political Background Sudan has been one of Africa’s most conflict-affected countries for decades. The civil wars between the North and South that culminated in South Sudan’s independence in 2011, the protracted conflict in Darfur since 2003, and recurrent political instability have caused massive displacement both internally and across borders. The 2019 popular uprising …

Read more “Sudanese Refugees in Morocco”

Geographical and Political Context Melilla is one of two Spanish autonomous cities located on the northern coast of Africa, the other being Ceuta. Both enclaves are unique geopolitical anomalies—territories of a European Union member state situated on the African continent, surrounded entirely by Moroccan land. This positioning makes Melilla and Ceuta the only European Union …

Read more “The Melilla Crisis”

Tunisia’s Role in Migration Routes Tunisia’s geographic location along the southern shore of the Mediterranean Sea has made it a critical gateway for migrants attempting to reach Europe. Situated just across from Italy and Malta, Tunisia serves as a pivotal transit and departure point for many migrants, particularly those coming from sub-Saharan African countries such …

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Europe’s Failing Migration Policies have long drawn criticism for their restrictive nature, but recent years have starkly revealed their profound failings, particularly in protecting migrants’ rights and lives. These policies are increasingly criticized as compounding the dangers that migrants face rather than alleviating them. Millions of people are fleeing crises such as wars in Syria …

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The migrant crisis has been a persistent challenge for Europe, with waves of migrants and asylum seekers arriving from conflict zones, impoverished regions, and areas affected by climate change. In response, European nations have increasingly turned to bilateral agreements and the externalization of borders as strategies to manage and control migration flows. Central to these …

Read more “Morocco and Europe’s Bilateral Agreements and Externalization of Borders”

The Tourist Approach to Migration Crisis Can Harm Vulnerable Communities. In recent years, the world has witnessed an increase in global migration, driven by conflict, persecution, poverty, and environmental factors. As travelers, we often find ourselves encountering these realities firsthand, particularly in regions directly affected by migration crises. While it’s natural to be curious and …

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Ceuta, a small Spanish enclave on the northern coast of Africa, is a focal point in the ongoing migrant crisis. Nestled at the crossroads between continents, Ceuta has become both a haven and a complex challenge for many, particularly migrant children. These young individuals, often unaccompanied, find themselves navigating an intricate web of hope, despair, …

Read more “Migrant children in Ceuta, Spain”

In recent years, Morocco has experienced a notable increase in the number of migrants arriving from sub-Saharan Africa. This influx has positioned Morocco as a key transit and destination point for migrants, with many individuals passing through the country on their way to Europe. However, alongside those who continue their journey, a substantial portion of …

Read more “Migrants and Housing”

Who is Frontex EU? As migration pressures continue to escalate, Europe has turned to agencies such as Frontex to bolster its border control efforts. Established as the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, Frontex holds a central position in the management of the EU’s external borders. While its mandate ostensibly focuses on ensuring the security …

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What are the mental health challenges faced by Migrants and Refugees? In the wake of unprecedented global migration, an often-overlooked aspect of the migrant and refugee experience emerges: the profound toll on mental health. Beyond the physical journey across borders lies an invisible struggle against anxiety, trauma, and depression, exacerbated by the uncertainties of displacement …

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In today’s interconnected world, migration is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon. However, amidst discussions surrounding migration, terms like “migrant,” “refugee,” and “asylum seeker” are often used interchangeably, leading to confusion about their distinct meanings and implications. Understanding the differences between these terms is crucial for fostering informed discussions and crafting effective policies. Let’s delve into …

Read more “What is the difference between a Migrant, Refugee, and Asylum Seeker?”

Slavery’s Impact on Discrimination Against Sub-Saharan Africans and Migrants in Morocco. In the sun-baked streets and bustling markets of Morocco, a hidden legacy looms large—a legacy forged in the depths of history but still reverberating in the lived experiences of Sub-Saharan Africans and migrants today. The echoes of slavery, centuries past, have cast a long …

Read more “Slavery’s Impact on Discrimination Against Sub-Saharan Africans and Migrants in Morocco”

At its core, the European Migration Pact embodies a critical juncture for Europe, where the intricate interplay of political agendas and humanitarian obligations converges. Emerging from the tumult of the 2015 refugee crisis, this transformative initiative epitomizes a concerted effort to reframe Europe’s migration strategy. With divergent interests and values shaping the discourse, the pact …

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What Challenges do Undocumented Migrant Children face? In Morocco, undocumented migrant children face a myriad of challenges as they navigate life without legal status. From limited access to education and healthcare to the constant threat of exploitation and discrimination, these children confront significant barriers to their well-being and development. Understanding their plight and advocating for …

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The influx of Ukrainian civilians seeking refuge across the European Union following the Russian invasion has garnered considerable attention and support from European governments and citizens alike. This response reflects a sense of solidarity and empathy towards those fleeing conflict and seeking safety. However, it starkly contrasts with Europe’s treatment of migrants and refugees from …

Read more “How is Europe responding to the Migration Crisis?”

In recent years, migration has become an increasingly pressing global issue, with millions of people displaced from their homes due to conflict, persecution, economic hardship, and environmental factors. Among the many countries grappling with the challenges of migration, Rwanda has emerged as an unexpected destination for some migrants. However, the question arises: who are these …

Read more “Why are migrants being sent to Rwanda?”

Involuntary relocation, often referred to as forced displacement, is a phenomenon that affects millions of individuals worldwide, compelling them to leave their homes due to various factors such as conflict, persecution, economic hardship, or environmental disasters. In the context of migration in Morocco, involuntary relocation takes on particular significance as the country serves as a …

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In today’s digital era, technology plays a pivotal role in shaping migration patterns, experiences, and outcomes worldwide. From facilitating communication and access to information to transforming remittance flows and integration processes, technology has become an integral part of the migration landscape. Let’s delve into how technology affects migration and its broader implications across various domains. …

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In Morocco, the intersection of migration and enforcement policies casts a shadow over the lives of migrants, with detention and deportation shaping their experiences in profound ways. The influx of migrants seeking refuge or economic opportunities often clashes with immigration regulations, leading to detention and, in some cases, deportation. But what exactly happens to migrants …

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In today’s interconnected world, the plight of migrants and the scourge of human trafficking have become intrinsically linked, forming a complex and alarming phenomenon that demands urgent attention. Migrant trafficking, characterized by the exploitation and coercion of vulnerable individuals seeking better lives, represents a grave violation of human rights. In the shadow of irregular migration, …

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In the bustling streets of Morocco, amidst the vibrant culture and picturesque landscapes, lies a hidden reality – the vulnerability of undocumented migrants to significant health risks. While Morocco serves as a gateway between Africa and Europe, offering hope and opportunity to many, for undocumented migrants, it can be a perilous journey fraught with health …

Read more “What are the health risks for undocumented migrants in Morocco?”

In the shadow of Mount Blanc, nestled within the dense forests of Morocco, lies a hidden world where migrants from various corners of the globe endure unimaginable hardships in search of a better life. Away from the bustling cities and tourist destinations, these forests provide shelter, albeit temporary and precarious, for those who have embarked …

Read more “The Hidden Struggle: Migrants Living in the Forests Near Mount Blanc in Morocco”

In recent years, the world has witnessed a profound migration crisis unfold, particularly in North Africa and Europe, with millions of individuals undertaking perilous journeys in search of safety, opportunity, and a better life. When did the migration crisis start? The migration crisis in North Africa and Europe did not emerge overnight but rather evolved …

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Art has a rich history as a formidable tool for driving social change. Its ability to evoke emotions, provoke thought, and stimulate dialogue has rendered it an indispensable asset in the realm of activism. Art serves as a dynamic medium through which marginalized voices can be amplified, societal norms can be challenged, and collective action …

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In the tumultuous landscape of migration, where hopes clash with harsh realities, Ceuta and Melilla stand as glaring beacons of aspiration and desperation. These two Spanish enclaves, perched on the northern coast of Morocco, have become significant destinations for migrants seeking refuge, opportunity, and a chance at a better life. But why are Ceuta and …

Read more “Ceuta and Melilla as Major Destinations for Migrants in Morocco”

In the intricate tapestry of migration dynamics, the concept of pushback emerges as a crucial phenomenon, especially within the context of Morocco. Understanding pushbacks entails delving into the various forms of resistance and impediments that migrants encounter as they navigate through or attempt to settle within Moroccan territory. At its core, a pushback refers to …

Read more “What are the pushback factors of Morocco?”

Climate change has become one of the most pressing issues of our time, with far-reaching consequences that extend beyond environmental degradation. One of the significant repercussions is the displacement of populations, particularly in vulnerable regions like Africa. The nexus between climate change and migration presents a complex web of challenges, often exacerbating existing socio-economic inequalities …

Read more “How does climate change affect migration in Africa?”

Morocco stands at a crossroads of migration routes, serving as a transit hub for migrants from various regions aiming to reach Europe. In response to this complex phenomenon, Morocco has developed migration policies that seek to address both domestic concerns and international obligations. This article delves into the intricacies of Morocco’s migration policy, examining its …

Read more “What is the migration policy in Morocco?”

Migration within Africa is a complex tapestry woven with diverse threads of economic aspirations, political upheaval, environmental challenges, and demographic shifts. Across the continent, various countries serve as magnets for migrants seeking better opportunities and refuge from turmoil. In this exploration, we uncover the destinations where African migrants are most drawn and the intricate web …

Read more “Understanding African Migration: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities”

As the global landscape of migration evolves, Morocco has emerged as a significant destination for individuals seeking new opportunities and refuge. Understanding the motivations behind the influx of people into Morocco requires a nuanced exploration of various factors, encompassing economic, political, environmental, and demographic dimensions. This article aims to unravel the complexities of why people …

Read more “Why are people migrating to Morocco?”

The intricate tapestry of migration in Africa weaves together a myriad of factors that span economic, social, political, environmental, and demographic dimensions. As the continent undergoes dynamic transformations, it becomes essential to delve deeper into the multifaceted reasons behind human movements. This article aims to provide a comprehensive exploration of the primary drivers of migration …

Read more “What is the main reason for migration in Africa?”