Refugee news – February 2016

Global:

• On average, two refugee children drown every day attempting to reach Europe. Read more: http://www.unhcr.org/56c707d66.html
• Increasing gang violence in El Salvador has led to a dramatic rise in asylum applications in Guatemala, Mexico, and the USA. Read more: http://www.unhcr.org/56b1d54f6.html
• NATO will begin surveillance activities to target people smugglers on the Aegean Sea. Read more: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-02-11/nato-willing-to-support-migrant-naval-operation-in-aegean-us/7161738
• Gay rights organisations in Germany will open shelters for LGBT refugees to prevent further discrimination and assaults. Read more: http://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/german-lgbt-groups-plan-shelters-gay-refugees-amid-attacks-n504496

At home:

• The High Court has determined that the offshore processing of refugees is constitutionally valid. Read more: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-02-03/high-court-throws-out-challenge-to-offshore-detention/7135504
• A one year old girl who was badly burned on Nauru will not be released by her doctors at a Brisbane hospital until a “suitable home environment is identified.” Read more: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-02-12/brisbane-hospital-refuses-to-release-nauru-baby/7165470
• New Zealand Prime Minister John Key has offered to resettle 37 refugee children who would otherwise be returned to Nauru. Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/new-zealand-prime-minister-john-key-opens-door-to-37-asylum-seeker-children-20160215-gmugsb.html
• Amnesty International has accused Australia and 29 other countries of violating human rights law by turning away refugees. Read more:http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2016/02/24/illegal-refugee-returns-top-amnesty-list