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A CRITICAL CHRONOLOGY OF EUROPEAN MIGRATION POLICIES

ALAIN MORICE (CNRS-Université Paris-Diderot and Migreurop network)* Updated: 30 January 2014**

A- LEGAL AND POLITICAL FRAMEWORK B- EVENTS

DATE A1- TREATIES, A2- DIRECTIVES, A3- SCOPE, SUBJECT DATE B1- DECLARATIONS, B2- EVENTS AGREEMENTS, REGULATIONS, RESOLUTIONS, ANNOUNCEMENTS PROGRAMMES, MEETINGS, JUDGMENTS CONVENTIONS 1951 [Geneva Convention] [Refugees] 1957 Rome Treaty - Creation of six-country EEC - Freedom of movement for workers 1967 [NY Protocol] [Extension of the right of asylum] 1985 Schengen Agreement - Internal “Schengen” Area of free between 5 member states movement - Adjournment of external borders controls 1986 Single European Act Free movement of “people” – this term At the same time, exponential rise in Setting up of working groups to implicitly refers only to European citizens the association of crime with prevent the opening of borders «illegal» immigration from affecting internal security 1990 Dublin Convention Establishing that a single European state is responsible for an asylum application (to avoid “asylum shopping”) 1990 Schengen Convention Implementation of the 1985 agreement Total suppression of border controls is announced for 1993 [cf. 1993] March First EU-3rd country The Schengen area countries sign a 1991 readmission agreement readmission agreement with Poland [see June 2007, etc.] * With the participation of Marie MARTIN (Statewatch, London, then Migreurop, Paris) Claudia CHARLES (Gisti, Paris), Lola SCHULMANN (Migreurop, Paris) and Sara CASELLA-COLOMBEAU (Migreurop, Montreal) **Main sources: migreurop.org; gisti.org; echanges-partenariat.org; statewatch.org; picum.org; openly accessible mailing list [email protected] – English (UK) translation: Yasha MACCANICO, Marie MARTIN. Authorized reproduction with reference mentioned

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Dec Meeting of the interior There [A2], the disparity of The problem of «harmonisation» 1991 ministers of the Community’s practices in the field of asylum is reflects the concern to tackle an (the future UE) 12 member already regretted: only urgent migration «threat». It will be state harmonisation will make it replaced by the goal of possible to prevent «the policy of «communitarisation» set in a member state from negatively Amsterdam [cf. June 1997] affecting that of others» [cf. Dec. 2009] 1992 Maastricht Treaty: First step towards (art. 7A) a space The thorny issue of foreigners in the establishment of without internal borders, ensuring the EU who live there remains the European free movement of goods, capitals and Community people 1992 Resolutions to harmonise - On «safe countries» asylum and immigration - On notions of «manifestly policies unfounded» [asylum] applications and «deliberate fraud» against asylum - Restricting family reunion and the entry of workers 1993 The EU postpones the total The Commission justifies this suppression of border controls [A2] through the wish to «reconcile the requirements of the mobility of [European] people with the need to control international crime and to reduce immigration» 1 The French interior minister, June Charles Pasqua, announces: «The 1993 goal that we set ourselves, considering the seriousness of the economic situation, is to head towards zero immigration» [below, see Jan. to Sep 2000, B1]

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June Resolution «on limitations of Implementation of the «Community It is recalled that the context of 1994 admission of third-country preference» in employment, unless unemployment leads EU member nationals for employment» there are contrasting sectorial needs or states to set aside a policy of economic junctures «active immigration» 1995 Schengen Entry into force Convention 1996 Decision on «internal asylum» Keeping refugees in «safe regions» of their own countries 1997 Dublin It applies to 12 member states Convention (follow-up) June Amsterdam Amsterdam European Council The immigration and asylum bloc 1997 Treaty switches from inter-governmental (implementation: cooperation to developing common EU 1999-2004) policies over five years 1999 Amsterdam Tampere European Council - Setting common norms by 2004 on: Treaty comes into for the implementation of -- asylum force common EU policies over five -- the movement of people years [see col. A3] -- the integration of migrants - (The 2nd goal will soon become dominant: that is, border controls) Sep Creation of the centre of Sangatte 1999 (France, Pas-de-Calais). This camp will serve as a point of passage for between 63,000 and 80,000 people in exile, first Kosovans, then Kurds, Iraqis, Afghans, etc., towards UK Jan- This conclusion [B2] is the signal A draft ILO report and then a study Mar drawn from several statements in by the Population Department of the 2000 favour of a revival of immigration. UN estimate Europe’s need for Italian and Irish authorities voice migrants at 70 million during the first their opinion in this direction [and 50 years of the century cf. July and Sep 2000]

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June Cotonou As a provider of development aid, the June The EU heads of state pretend to - 58 Chinese who died of asphyxia 2000 Agreement EU imposes the principle of a 2000 be moved [B2], to the point that are discovered in Dover (GB) in a between the UE readmission clause applying to their commentators criticise their lorry that came from the Netherlands and 79 ACP nationals on ACP countries, and «crocodile tears». Later, an NGO - In ten years, the number of deaths at (Africa Caribbean envisages extending it to migrants who will say: «The state and smugglers the border increased from a few Pacific) countries have passed through their territory are objectively allies» dozen to several hundreds per year July European Commissioner Vitorino 2000 pleads for a Directive to set «minimum standards for a managed migration» and calls for «new legal procedures to allow migrants to enter Europe»

Sep Proposal by the Commission It will take over 5 years for the rights Sep Commission President Romano 2000 for a Directive on asylum of asylum seekers to be set (cf. Dec. 2000 Prodi calls to stop setting «Procedures» 2005) on an increasingly restrictive immigration policies «with basis emotions as a starting point», and explains: «We need immigrants, but they will have to be chosen, controlled and bound to a place», (scelti, controllati e collocati). It is the birth of the slogan of «chosen immigration» [cf. Feb. 2006; 10- 12 June 2009]

Feb The East Sea, carrying around 910 2001 «illegals» runs aground on a beach near Fréjus (France) 2001 Failure to agree an Member states fail to define a common Some states will repeatedly recall «Employment» Directive policy for the admission of migrant that the policy to allow the entry workers of foreign workers must fall within the competency of each country’s sovereignty

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June Directive aimed at carriers Heavy financial penalties are 2001 travelling by air, sea and land introduced against carriers that transport people whose documents are not in order towards the EU [11 From now on, terrorism and [Attacks in New York] Sep migrations will be closely linked 2001] in public discourse 14-15 Laeken European Council The Council asks the Commission to 16 The Commission declares that the Dec work out arrangements for cooperation Dec fight against terrorism has become 2001 between services responsible for 2001 a priority: as a result of this, the external border control and to examine legislative process on European the conditions for common migration policy must be reviewed mechanisms of border controls Feb The interior ministers decide to 2002 establish a European border guard force. Its duties and intervention capability will soon be deemed insufficient (see Oct. 2004) June Seville European Council Sets two main goals: June - Certain member states, including [Reminder on the notion of «illegal 2002 (summit) - absolute priority for the plan to fight 2002 the UK and Spain, call for emigration»: the 1948 Universal illegal immigration sanctions against countries that Declaration on human rights and - from now on, development aid will pose a migration threat. France other international texts such as the depend on the goodwill that countries and Germany oppose this 1966 International Covenant on civil of emigration will display in stopping 26 - Title from the French newspaper and political rights recall that departures towards Europe and in June Le Monde: «The 15 will not everyone «has the right to leave any readmitting their nationals 2002 punish the countries of illegal country, including his own»] emigration» Aug - French minister Sarkozy 2002 announces the closure of the camp in Sangatte - French-British negotiations about the fate of the camp’s residents

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Sep - UNHCR launches an operation 2002 named «Convention Plus», questioning the Geneva Convention - It is called for the need to «share the burden» of refugees and to keep them as close as possible to their departure points Nov Migreurop’s goal: learning about Creation of the Migreurop network, 2002 and providing critical analysis on which will become a no-profit the externalisation of policies on organisation in November 2005 migration and the detention of foreigners 5 - The decision to close the camp in Progressively, those leaving the Nov Sangatte is confirmed camp are no longer allowed to 2002 return. Definitive closure on 6 Dec - Interior minister Sarkozy Christmas 2002 2002 declares: «We are putting an end to a symbol that encourages illegal immigration worldwide» Jan Secret agreement between 2003 Switzerland and Senegal, which makes a commitment to accept, receiving indemnity payments, any Africans returned to its territory. The deal will not be struck after news of it is reported 18 Dublin II Only the first country reached by an Several NGOs express serious Dublin II entails the return of asylum Feb Regulation asylum seeker will be responsible for concerns about the undermining of seekers to the first European country 2003 processing an application rights resulting from Dublin II they have crossed [and cf. Jan. 2004] [see Sep 2008]

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Feb - The UK proposes to set up This announcement results from a 2003 transit and screening centres for «leak» in The Guardian newspaper asylum candidates outside of the on 5/2/2003 EU’s territory - UNHCR expresses its interest, then rejects the idea [cf. June 2003] 2003 Start of the «European Co-management of borders with Neighbourhood Policy» (ENP) neighbouring countries (especially to the east) for: - surveillance - information exchange - training of officers 2003 Start of a dialogue, secret at first and then open, between EU and Libya Feb «Reception» Directive - Setting of minimum standards for 2003 receiving asylum seekers - Countries are free to limit applicants’ movements and access to employment June European Council (summit) in Postpones, without clearly rejecting it, 2003 Thessaloniki the British proposal to set up centres to process asylum applications outside of the EU’s borders [cf. Feb. 2003, B1] July Moroccan law termed 02-03 Introduction of a criminal offence of Tunisia will follow in Feb 2004 with 2003 on foreigners «illegal emigration», among others [cf. the 2004-6 organic law. For the case June 2002] of Algeria, see Sep 2008 Aug The German and Italian interior 2003 ministers re-launch the British proposal [cf. Feb. and June 2003] and invite the EU to create and manage «immigration platforms», or «processing centres», in order to screen migrants and asylum seekers outside of the EU

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Sep «Family reunion» Directive After 3 years of discussion on a project 2003 that was initially liberal, some very restrictive rules will frame the right to family life Jan Eurodac Regulation (comes Unified database (of fingerprints) for Jan - The UNHCR proposes to create 2004 into force) the purpose of making the Dublin II 2004 «reception centres» at the EU’s Regulation enforceable internal borders, with a view to «relieving congestion in the asylum systems» Feb European Regulation creating These officers from member states will 2004 a body of «immigration liaison be deployed to «assist» their colleagues officers» in the airports of emigration countries (discovering false documents, identifying future «illegals») [11 [Attacks in Madrid] Mar 2004] 4 EU-Sri Lanka - Return of people who have left or June readmission passed through this country to travel 2004 agreement illegally to Europe - It is the third agreement signed by the Commission after those with Macao (2002) and Hong Kong (2003) July - Cap Anamur case: 37 African 2004 refugees rescued by a German boat off the coast of Africa are initially rejected by Malta and Italy July- Again, the German interior Aug minister re-launches a proposal to 2004 create camps to examine asylum applications at the EU’s gates July Libya threatens to flood the EU 2004 with Africans present in its territory

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July Joint declaration by German and 2004 Italian interior ministers on the need for cooperation with Libya Aug In Tripoli, Berlusconi declares that Visit to Libya by the Italian PM, 2004 he is in favour of «reception Berlusconi centres» 26 Council Regulation creating Establishment of the European Agency Oct Frontex is tasked with the Oct «Frontex» (known as «Frontex for the Management of Operational 2004 surveillance of EU borders in 2004 Regulation») [cf. 25 Oct 2011] Cooperation at the External Borders of cooperation with third countries the Member States of the EU (Frontex) (operational in October 2005) Oct - In violation of international law, 2004 Italy organises collective returns of migrants to Africa - Other collective expulsions will take place in March 2005 Nov The Hague - Creating an area of «freedom, justice 2004 Programme and security» (FJS) around two (implementation: approaches: 2005-2010) - promoting a common policy - developing the external dimension of immigration and asylum policy - Issues concerning security (S) will be predominant - The principle that the issue of the immigration of workers falls within the competency of each member state is recalled 2005 The Nice Treaty From now on, decisions on (2001) comes into border controls, asylum and force: co-decision immigration (except for access principle (EU to employment) will be Commission and adopted by qualified majority Parliament) voting (QMV)

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Jan The Commission publishes a Overall, in spite of efforts by the 2005 Green Paper on migrant Commission, member states will workers, «on an EU approach ignore the Green Paper. Each to managing economic member state’s sovereignty in the migrations» field of immigration linked to employment is reaffirmed Apr The European Parliament Mar New collective expulsions from Italy 2005 severely condemns Italy over 2005 to Libya, without scrutiny of people’s its collective expulsions personal situations Sep- - Over ten people shot dead during Oct attempts to cross the border fences in 2005 Ceuta and Melilla, Spanish enclaves in northern Morocco - Moroccan authorities summon the media, then deport sub-Saharans to the desert - This event will be the starting point for several roundups in the neighbourhoods and forests where these exiles gather Oct Senegalese president Wade 2005 announces the introduction of a «REVA» programme for the reintegration of migrants refouled from Europe. He will make readmission depend on the payment of financial compensation by the EU

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Dec Directive on asylum - States may detain applicants in Numerous criticisms of the In practice, member states fail to 2005 «procedures» special facilities Directive are issued by the agree on a list of «safe countries» - Asylum requests may not result in the European Parliament, the Council right to reside in the country of Europe, UNHCR and NGOs - Exceptional procedures are envisaged: rejection of manifestly unfounded applications, fast-track and priority procedures - Among the criteria for rejection, notions of «safe countries of origin», «first countries of asylum» and «safe third countries» are placed in the spotlight - The right to an effective appeal clashes with the fact that this does not suspend deportation Dec - The European Council (EC) The EC approach is based on: 2005 approves a «comprehensive - work in partnership with third approach» on migrations countries - Spain commits to exchange - the fight against illegal immigration readmission agreements for - co-development the opening of its employment market with quotas for migrants from the concerned countries (Africa Plan 1) 30 The Egyptian police opens fire on Dec 2,000 Sudanese refugees crowded 2005 outside the UNHCR offices in Cairo 2006 Frontex coordinates maritime interception operations along the west and north African coasts: Hera (Canary islands) and Nautilus (Malta and Sicily)

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Feb The French interior minister 2006 Sarkozy frames his new draft law under the message of «immigration that is chosen and no longer suffered» [cf. Sep 2000; 10-12 June 2009] 25 EU-Russian - Return of people who have left or Mar Before the French Senate, the May Federation passed through the country to travel 2006 European Commissioner Frattini 2006 readmission illegally to Europe states that the negotiation of agreement - To date, the Commission has only readmission agreements is managed to get five third countries to difficult as, in spite of them being sign: Hong Kong, Macao, Sri Lanka, theoretically reciprocal, «it is clear Albania and Russia that, in practice, they basically serve the Community’s interests». He mentions the need for the EU to find some «carrots», that is, «incentives that are powerful enough to obtain the cooperation of the concerned third country» May Conference of the interior Minister Sarkozy, presiding the On the notion of «illegal 2006 ministers of the western conference, welcomes «efforts by emigration», see June 2002 [B1, B2] Mediterranean (CIMO), countries on the southern shore of termed «5 + 5», in Nice, under the Mediterranean to contain Sarkozy’s presidency illegal emigration towards Europe» June Headline in Le Soleil newspaper 2006 (Dakar, Senegal): «Europe is closing our borders» July 1st Euro-African «Migration Adoption of an «action plan» that binds 2006 and Development» conference «co-development» to the joint fight in Rabat against irregular migration Nov African Union-EU summit on The Libyan president subordinates his 2006 migration and development in goodwill to control Libya’s borders to Tripoli the EU’s economic cooperation

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May Commission communication «on 2007 circular migration and mobility partnerships between the EU and third countries 18 EU-Ukraine - Readmission by this country of In practice, the EU-Ukraine June readmission people who entered the EU irregularly agreement entails the disappearance 2007 agreement and travelled through it of the right to asylum, since people are refouled upstream without their situation being examined July Seven Tunisian fishermen who 2007 rescued 44 people in distress dock in Italy, where they are imprisoned and prosecuted for «assisting illegal immigration» Sep- Senegal signs Named «concerted management of Dec agreements on flows» or «memoranda of 2006 migration with understanding», these agreements France, then followed the readmission of 6,000 Spain Senegalese refouled in 2006 from the Canary islands Aug «RABIT» Regulation (Rapid Allows the urgent deployment of 2007 Border Intervention Team) border guards from different member states when there is a risk of a «mass influx» of migrants Sep - Death of three young Chechen girls 2007 who got lost in the Polish mountains after crossing them, in the hope of reaching Slovakia - According to an incomplete record by Fortress Europe, around 12,000 foreigners have died at the EU’s borders from 1988 to 2008, over 8,200 of them at sea and more than 1,600 in the desert

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June Commission Communication on a 2008 common immigration policy: principles, actions, instruments 21-22 An ill Tunisian dies, lacking medical June care, in the Vincennes Centre de 2008 rétention administrative (CRA), the largest detention centre in France. This tragedy causes a revolt which is harshly put down. The centre is evacuated before it is destroyed by a fire. Ten people will be arrested and charged [cf. 17 March 2010] 30 Friendship and Among other things, this treaty - Through this «historic» treaty, - On the eve, Mr Berlusconi had Aug cooperation treaty decides: Italy accepts to «pay damages» to arrived in Benghazi to express Italy’s 2008 between Italy and - strengthening the joint fight against Libya for its 30-year colonisation regrets for its colonial past Libya «illegal» immigration after its troops disembarked in - Through the treaty, the company - setting up an electronic border Tripoli in 1911 ENI obtains an extension of its surveillance system for Libyan sea - Italy commits to pay 5 billion $ contracts in Libya, until 2021 for oil, borders, 50% of which Italy would to Libya through investments over and until 2047 for gas finance (that is, around $500 million) 25 years, that is, 250 million € per - The envisaged investments will and the EU would be asked for the year above all benefit some Italian remaining 50% - Mr Berlusconi: “In this way we companies will have more oil and less illegals” Sep Algeria introduces the crime This measure seeks to blocks the mass [On “illegal emigration”, see June 2008 of illegal emigration departure of “harragas” (migrants) 2002; July 2003] Sep A European Parliament [see A2] 2008 Resolution severely criticises the functioning of the Dublin II system

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Oct The Council The Pact calls for the negotiation of 2008 (under a French readmission agreements to be pursued, presidency) «both at a Community and bilateral adopts the level» European Pact on immigration and asylum Nov Euro-African migration- - Entitled «Rabat II», it continues work The Commissioner in charge of 2008 development conference in undertaken during the 1st conference in the EPN states: «Countries (…) in Paris July 2006 the neighbourhood are interested - The implementation of the European in the facilitation of visa issuing as Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) and well as the prospects of temporary readmission agreements are at the core legal migration, but the EU also of discussions has some expectations concerning readmission and international protection» Dec «Returns» Directive, referred Sets out conditions for the prior Member states must transpose the 2008 to as «shameful Directive» detention and removal of foreigners (a Returns Directive into their national general backwards step in the legislations by 24 December 2010 protection of people) To date, 11 20 In a letter to the Commission In practice, (cf. 18 June 2007), the Community Jan President signed by 82 NGOs signing of a readmission agreement readmission 2009 from 20 countries, the Migreurop entails the end of the right to asylum agreements have network expresses its concern in some of these countries, especially been signed and 5 over the lack of transparency in when the possibility of an immediate others were being the negotiation and refoulement (turning back) exists negotiated [cf. 1 implementation of Community March 2011] readmission agreements Mar Italian and European authorities Deadly shipwreck off the Libyan 2009 announce the deployment of joint coasts patrols involving Libyan coastguards to put an end to this sort of tragedy

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14 - Between collective 6 and - This double operation [cf. B2], is - 227 and then 240 migrants are May refoulements and Khadafi’s 10 described as an «historic turning stopped at sea by the Italian navy and 2009 visit to Rome [see 10-12 June May point» by interior minister Maroni, refouled to Libya without their 2009], the Italian parliament 2009 although it is not the first one [cf. situation as regards the right to adopts a law that creates an Oct. 2004 and Mar.-Apr. 2005], asylum being examined, that is, «offence of [‘illegal’] and it occurs a month before illegally immigration and residence». Khadafi’s visit to Rome - From this date, forced returns by sea - The length of detention prior - Maroni will add that with these become the norm to expulsion increases from 2 expulsions, he is working for the - The number of refouled people will to 6 months. Aiding irregular entire EU. Which remains silent, reach 2,000 in September residence becomes liable to in spite of various complaints incur 3 years in prison 10-12 - In a speech in Rome, Khadafi - President Khadafi is received with June calls asylum claims a «widespread great pomp in Italy by the PM 2009 lie». As Libya is «the gateway for Berlusconi. The welcome by the unwanted immigration» [cf. Feb. parliament and press is cooler 2006 ; Sep 2000], he demands - Observers estimate that only means to stop it between 5 and 7% of foreign - He calls on Europe to convert to immigration reaches Italy from the Islam shores of Libya or Tunisia 18 «Employers’ sanction» Establishes minimum standards and June On occasion of the presentation of June Directive measures to sanction employers of 2009 its «Africa Plan 2009-2012», 2009 irregular third-country nationals. In Spain evokes the need to control particular, employees are guaranteed migrations and announces the they will receive the equivalent of their delivery to Mauritania of a unpaid wage and will access support military aircraft to strengthen from a third party (trade-union; NGO) coastal surveillance, which will be an addition to previous gifts (4 patrol boats and a helicopter)

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Aug. Italy calls upon EU countries to Discovery of a dinghy that was adrift 2009 provide a joint response to the to the south of Sicily with five problems of illegal immigration. Eritreans on board. They had left the «We must consider it a European Libyan coast in late July and told problem. The EU has made plenty how they had helplessly watched the of declarations (...) but it has still death of 73 fellow travellers who not said what must happen when a starved or died of thirst during the group of migrants reaches three weeks that they spent Europe’s borders», Italian minister wandering between Africa and Franco Frattini said Europe 30 The Association malienne des - Libya expels 153 Malians. Sep expulsés (AME, Association of - Two other waves of expulsions will 2009 Expelled Malians) in Bamako take place on 9/12/2009 (149) and reports the ill-treatment of their 3/5/2010 (150) compatriots in Libyan prisons Oct. An Italian firm wins a call for tenders 2009 worth 300 million € to electronically secure Libya’s immense southern border with Sudan, Chad and Niger. The funding, over three years, will be Italian and European 15 - The Brussels Summit evokes - The UK and France organise a joint Oct «the possibility of regularly flight to Kabul to expel 24 + 3 [B2] chartering flights for joint returns Afghan refugees who have been financed by the Frontex agency» denied asylum 30 - President Sarkozy greets the - Another joint flight with the same Oct news: «Considerable progress has destination will be organised in mid- [B1] been made (…) We must go December (21 + 9 Afghans) 2009 further, I want European border guards»

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Dec. Commissioner Jacques Barrot 2009 declares: «The European objective is to have a common procedure for processing asylum claims by 2012. The disparities in our legislations are a source of encouragement» [cf. Dec. 1991] Jan. It is announced that the EU is [- The Israeli PM Netanyahu agrees 2010 negotiating a review of article 13 to the construction of a wall along the of the Cotonou agreements [cf. Egyptian border to stop refugees, June 2000]: an ACP country will particularly those coming from the now have to prove that an Horn of Africa expellable person is not its - Amnesty claims that 28 people were national, otherwise the expulsion shot dead by the Egyptian police in will be lawful. In this way, this desert in 2008, and 20 more in readmission agreements could be 2009. The real figures are supposedly avoided higher] 17 «It is a highly political ruling, [cf. 21-22 June 2008] In France, the Mar which follows the prosecution’s trial of the Vincennes detainees who 2010 arguments very closely» [cf. B2], were charged ends with long prison states a lawyer who announces sentences (from 3 years to 8 months) that she will file an appeal May Greece-Turkey Return to Turkey of irregular migrants Frontex claims that Greece is the 2010 Agreement leading European country for irregular entries into the European area June EU-Georgia - Simplified visa issuing 2010 Agreement - Readmission by this country of people residing irregularly in European territory 1 July The UNHCR demands greater 2010 coherence in the different EU countries’ asylum policies

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1 July The UNHCR demands that Dublin 2010 II should not be applied «when a state faces particular pressures that its asylum system cannot manage» 28 President Sarkozy publicly rails It is the starting point for a campaign July against «the conduct of some to dismantle camps and enact mass 2010 people among gens du voyage expulsions of Romanian and (Travellers) and Roma» Bulgarian Roma people Aug «Children should not become a [Israel expels 400 African and Asian 2010 means of obtaining a residence children] visa for their parents. (…) European countries have adopted far harsher measures against illegals», the Israeli government comments [B2] 28 The operation [see B2], costing an The first flight entirely chartered by Sep estimated 100,000 €, is the first in Frontex leaves Warsaw, with 56 2010 a long series: 40 Frontex charter Georgians expelled from four EU flights are scheduled for 2011 countries on board 7 Oct EU-Pakistan Readmission by this country of people Discussions with Pakistan had started 2010 readmission residing irregularly in European in 2000 agreement territory 7 Oct The EU signs a - Fighting illegal immigration and - Commissioner Malström Mrs Malström’s estimate is 2010 cooperation strengthening (sic) the rights of welcomes this agreement incompatible with that produced by agreement with refugees - She estimates that 1.5 million Frontex [cf. 25 Oct. 2010] Libya - 50 million € are allocated by the EU «illegals» are waiting in Libya to to Libya for this purpose travel to Europe 25 Frontex claims that over three- Information surfaces about Greece Oct quarters of the 40,977 people demanding the intervention of a 2010 intercepted at the EU’s borders RABIT unit [cf. Aug. 2007] at its during the first semester of 2010 eastern border to tackle an influx of entered through Greece, coming migrants in transit through Turkey primarily from Turkey

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Nov The UNHCR office in Athens - 170 Frontex border guards from all 2010 deplores the «humanitarian» crisis the EU countries are at work on the affecting migrants, particularly in Greek-Turkish border in the camps. It notes that the Greek framework of the RABIT operation government claims it no longer [cf. 25 Oct. 2010], for the purpose of controls the situation, neither on catching, identifying and returning land, nor on the islands of the migrants Aegean Sea - Commissioner Malström and French minister Besson travel there 29 The Europe-Africa summit - Khadafi ups the stakes: he - The press does not report any Nov opens in Tripoli (Libya), demands «at least 5 billion € per reaction by African participants to the 2010 attended by 80 officials from year» from the EU to stop illegal racism of the Libyan leader’s remarks both continents immigration, otherwise «Libya will no longer act as Europe’s border guard» - This is how he details the threat: «Perhaps, tomorrow the future of Europe will be black and no longer white and Christian, because there are millions who want to go there»; he concludes that «we do not know what will happen, what the reaction of white and Christian Europeans will be when faced by this influx of hungry and uneducated Africans» 1 Jan EU-Turkey This country will take back the Turkey will declare that its In relation to Greece, this is a strategy 2011 readmission «illegals» who have passed through its signature depends on a of refoulement rather than agreement territory liberalisation of the regime for readmission [cf. May 2010] visas to enter the EU

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Jan The «Grand Chamber» of the 2011 European Court on Human Rights condemns Belgium for having expelled an Afghan refugee to Greece in application of Dublin II 11-14 - The Italian interior minister - Around 5,000 people land in Feb Maroni announces that these Lampedusa, arriving from Tunisia 4 2011 «illegals» [B2] will be repatriated weeks after the fall of dictator Ben - He will demand to be able to Ali. The Italian authorities start by deploy Italian soldiers on the refusing to open the reception centre, Tunisian coasts closed since 1999. Migrants are sent - The government declares a «state to Sicily and the mainland of humanitarian emergency» and asks for Frontex patrols 20-21 - Libya threatens not to cooperate - Widespread popular revolt in Libya Feb in the fight against «irregular» - Start of the Frontex HERMES 2011 immigration any longer if the EU operation between Tunisia and Italy. continues to «encourage» Its goals: to intercept boats in the demonstrators high sea off Sicily; in Lampedusa, to - The president of the French identify the migrants’ home Office for Immigration and countries; to assist Italy in organising Integration (OFII) deems that the their return; to identify «smugglers’» agreements between the EU and networks Libya «must be respected regardless of the regime» 1 To date, the Agreements signed with: Macao, Hong The negotiation of agreements is Mar Commission has Kong, Sri Lanka, Albania, Russia, underway with: China, Morocco, 2011 signed 13 Ukraine, Serbia, Montenegro, Turkey, Algeria and, probably, Cape readmission Macedonia, Bosnia, Moldova, Verde agreements and 4 Pakistan, Georgia or 5 are being discussed

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11 Extraordinary meeting of the 3-12 - Around 100 organisations from Since February 2011, first dozens, Mar European Council on the Mar Europe, Africa and Turkey issue and then hundreds of thousands of 2011 situation in the Mediterranean 2011 an «Appeal for a humanitarian refugees from many nationalities intervention by the European coming from Libya gather at the Union in the Mediterranean» borders with Egypt, Tunisia, Chad - To avoid an influx of refugees and Niger (see 23 August 2011) into the EU, Sarkozy wants some «humanitarian zones» in these countries 29 Mustapha Abdel Jalil, chief of the Mar Libyan National Transition 2011 Council (NTC), assures before RAI channel that the NTC would fight against illegal migration if it were in power, and that it would respect the agreements signed with Italy aiming at stopping irregular entries into Libya. 8 According to some witnesses The Guardian reports the death of 61 May [B2], the boat was left adrift by migrants on a boat adrift brought to 2011 NATO forces operating along the Libyan coasts by the sea. 10 Libyan coasts survived and are brought to prison, amongst which 2 will die June Raids and numerous destruction to operations of shelters by the Greek July police, followed by deportations, in 2011 Igoumenitsa and Patras camps

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16 June An agreement is Italian decree-law The agreement [A1] allows the 18 - Doctors Without Borders (MSF) - A 12m long vessel, which had departed 2011 signed between the extending the maximum deportation of irregular June considers that this decision [A2] is from Libya, is disembarking 235 people [A1, Italian government length of detention to 18 migrants arriving from Libya as 2011 dangerous for the mental and near Ragusa (Sicily) A3] and and the Libyan NTC months, in line with what well as support for the country physical health of detainees and asks - 159 refugees had already arrived the 18 June on a common is authorised by the to set up preventive patrols for the closures of both camps where same day in Pantelleria, an island in the 2011 management of “shameful directive” [see living conditions are terrible SW of Sicily [A2] migration flows [see Dec.2008 and May 2009] - In parallel to the Libyan-Italian - Migrants in revolt at the Identification A3] agreement, the interior minister and Expulsion Centre (CIE) against this Maroni proposes that migrants are law [A2] which results in turning these blocked before their departure from centres into prisons Libya 23-24 A European Council Especially, it is suggested that “Beyond our disagreements remains This position is expressed in the context June decides of an important Frontex may be given the a high degree of political consensus of an argument between the French and 2011 increase in the means and responsibility of “Schengen” towards reinforced controls of our the Italian authorities, for the latter had the powers of Frontex, internal borders in the common borders with Frontex”, a issued temporary residence permits to provided the Parliament eventuality of an unforeseen Commissioner says Tunisians in exile and en route to France gives its approval influx of migrants in an EU member state July Migreurop launches a call for a Since January, 489 cases of individual 2011 flotilla in the Mediterranean [cf. Sep rebellions and 83 collective actions, 2011] including suicides and escapes, have been counted [see 4 September 2011] 1st Aug - Gabriel del Grande (Fortress To date, Fortress Europe is confirming 2011 Europe) notes that these figures [B2] the death at sea of: 5,962 people in the are certainly underestimated canal of Sicily since 1994, including - He analyses the high mortality rate 1,674 over the first seven months of as being the result of the many 2011. Throughout the months, based on people fleeing Libya using unsafe the departures from Libya, the evolution boats [see 23 August 2001] has been tremendous. Known mortality at sea at the departure from Tunisia is 1/130 and 1/11 from Libya

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5 Aug - According to different media, a Italian border guards rescue about 400 2011 NATO vessel was reported as close persons on board of a boat adrift which as 27 miles from the boat adrift [B2] had departed from Libya 6 days earlier. - the Italian government is asking for The boat was drifting 90 miles off the an investigation about the possible coast of Lampedusa. According to the refusal by NATO to rescue the boat rescued, dozens of migrants died from hunger, thirst and exhaustion during the crossing and come corpses are reported to have been thrown in the sea 19 Aug A Frontex flight deporting Africans from 2011 Oslo via Dublin is forbidden landing in Kinshasa (DRC) and must go back 23 Aug Numerous and concordant reports of The International Organisation of 2011 the violence many Black people are Migration (IOM) has counted almost the victims of in Libya: chased and 670,000 departures from Libya to date, persecuted by the rebels for being including 211,000 to Egypt, 286,000 to “mercenaries” of the fallen regime, Tunisia, 127,000 to Niger and Chad, and forcibly embarked on decaying boats 28,000 to Italy or Malta by pro-Gaddafi militias 4 Sep - Revolts and riots reported in many 2011 Italian camps [see 18 June 2011], including in Pozzallo (8/7 and 23/8), Lampedusa (8/7), Trapani (20/7), Rome (30/7), Bari (1/8), Pantelleria (17/8), Bologna (24/8); and in Malta (16/8) - But also in Australia and on Christmas Island for a long time (more recently on 10/06 and 20/07), in France (Lyon, 28/07), in Fylakio (Greece, 3/09) – non exhaustive list

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Sep NGOs and international networks Boats 4 People’s sailing journey will 2011 from seven European and African start in early July from Rosignano (Italy) countries announce the creation of to Sicily, then off to Monastir; Ksibet el Boats 4 People : it is aimed to set up Mediouni (Tunisia) and finally a flotilla in the Mediterranean to put Lampedusa. Meetings and events are to an end to deaths at the EU’s maritime be organised at each stop between 2 and borders, control immigration control, 19 July [cf. 2 July 2012] and reinforce Euro-African solidarity 25 Oct Amendment of Frontex - Reinforcement and widening 2011 regulation [cf. 26 Oct of Frontex’s role and 2004], after the Council operational capacities : the of the EU and the agency will now be able to European Parliament acquire its own equipment reached a compromise - Reinforcement of fundamental [cf. March 2012] rights provisions and full recognition of the non- refoulement principle [cf. 23 Feb. and March 2012] 15 Dec Renewal of Italy- Cooperation between both 2011 Libya’s friendship countries in the fight against treaty [cf. 30 August irregular migrations is 2008; see also April maintained according to the 2012] terms of agreements between Berlusconi and Gaddafi 23 Feb Grand Chamber The Court condemns Italy for The Member of the European In May 2009, about two hundred people 2012 Judgment from the intercepting a group of refugees Parliament Hélène Flautre welcomes had left Libya on three boats off to Italy. European Court of at sea and for immediately this decision: «Albeit late, this The Italian army had intercepted them in Human Rights (ECHR), pushing them back to a third decision is a clear warning to Malta’s maritime zone, and handed them at unanimity of the 17 country. This decision Member states: illegal practices of over to the Libyan authorities [cf. 6 and judges on collective condemns Italy-Libya bilateral refoulement with the complicity of 10 May 2009] expulsions agreements indirectly [cf.16 dictatorial regimes are now over.» June 2011, A1 and A3]

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March The European Ombudsman, informed 2012 of Frontex’s abusive practices by several NGOs which emphasized the « growing concern of civil society », launches an enquiry on this Agency[cf. 25 Oct 2011] 27 The Greek government announces March the construction of 30 closed 2012 reception centres for irregular migrants, with a capacity of 1,000 each 28-29 The Guardian’s advance coverage of A report by the Dutch politician Tineke March the report entitled [cf. B2] «Lives lost Strik is presented to the Parliamentary 2012 in the Mediterranean Sea: who is Assembly of the Council of Europe responsible?» It is revealed that (PACE). It lists a «catalogue of failures» NATO authorities refused to which resulted in NATO not rescuing a cooperate with the Council of boat in distress with 71 people on board Europe’s investigators a year earlier off Lampedusa’s shores[cf. 8 May 2011] 3 April Secret agreement Reinforcing cooperation to 2012 Italy-Libya [see 18 fight illegal migration from June 2012] Libyan to Italian coasts with the same means as before 2012 11 Four Ethiopians who survived in March April 2011 [cf. 28-29 March 2012] lodge a 2012 complaint, especially targeting the French authorities, for «failure to assist people in distress». They are supported by nine NGOs

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May - Refugees from the Choucha camp - It has been over a year that dozens of 2012 (Tunisia) call the international thousands of people who escaped war in community and the UNHCR to re- Libya are sheltered in Choucha, examine asylum applications, and to including isolated minors implement a resettlement - To date, several thousands of refugees programme. and asylum seekers are still encamped in - The Tunisian Forum for Economic very bad conditions, waiting for a and Social Rights considers that the hypothetical departure camp is a « prison for migrants » - Since 2004, Tunisian law sanctions irregular stay and «illegal emigration» [cf. June 2002, B2] 11 May The EU signs a Among other things, allows the Irak never signed the Geneva 2012 cooperation readmission of Iraqis present Convention on refugees. In 2011, agreement with Irak illegally in EU and resolves to according to Eurostat, the Iraqis formed open negotiations for a the 2nd national group of persons having readmission agreement the benefit of an international protection applicable to Iraqis, third from EU countries nationals and stateless 31 The Commission decides to sanction The directive should have been so but May countries which do not implement the still is not transposed into national law in 2012 «employers’ sanction» directive [cf. Finland, Portugal and Slovenia 18 June 2009] 7 June [The Jerusalem court [- This decision puts an end to June [- The Israeli Interior Minister Eli [- Racist attacks grow in scale in Israel, 2012 dismisses the appeal the so-called «collective 2012 Yishai tells: «These illegals should and especially target Sudanese and lodged by human rights protection» policy which so far be put in detention centres and sent Eritreans. organisations and prevented removals to unstable back to their country, because they - The 240 km fence at the Egyptian authorises the deportation countries come and take Israelis’ jobs and one border is planned to be completed by the of 1,500 south-Sudanese] - Thousands of people are should protect the Jewish character of end of the year targeted by this measure, the State of Israel.» - Ongoing construction of a detention among which natives of Horn - «Anyone that penetrates Israel’s center in the Negev desert, with a of Africa or Ivory Coast] border should be shot», says Aryeh capacity of 11,000 «illegals» upon Eldad, MP] completion]

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9 June Front page of the Moroccan - Raids and attacks on Sub-Saharan 2012 newspaper Assabah: « African migrants gain increased since November migrants involved in war crimes» 2011 in Moroccan urban centres - Negotiations with the EU towards a readmission agreement are still pending 18 June Agreement between Italy Includes cooperation in training 18 June - The newspaper describes the - La Stampa publicises the agreement 2012 and Libya on illegal Libyan police an customs officers; 2012 agreement as «the facsimile of what between Italy and Libya providing a immigration is being assistance in strengthening was signed with the dictator» cooperation on illegal migration [see 3 publicized [B2] controls of Libya’s borders and - Amnesty International says it vainly April 2012] coastal patrols; facilitation of attempted to obtain a copy in vain for - the IOM (International Organisation for voluntary returns to be coordinated 2½ months and expresses it’s deep Migration) is an international agency by IOM; creation of a «health concern specialised in assisting states to manage center» in Kufra, southern Libya “voluntary” returns of irregular migrants in the desert 20 June The FIDH denounces the «hounding of The International Federation of Human 2012 migrants» and the «clean-up of Rights Leagues (FIDH) presents some illegals», as well as ill-treatments in the preliminary findings of an investigation camps, xenophobia, forced labour and mission held in Libya from 7 to 15 June the lack of legal protection they are 2012, notably in detention camps for being facing migrants 2 July The Oloferne schooner sets sail from 2012 Cecina off to Sicily and Tunisia [see Sep 2011] 5 July - It was reported that the sea patrol was - 76 Eritrean refugees intercepted on 29 2012 flagging both Italian and Libyan flags June by an Italia-Libya sea patrol are taken [B2] to Tripoli (Libya) and detained in an - Witnesses assert that large scale push immigration detention center still in back operations of that kind, with no construction examination of individual asylum - They are at risk of being deported to the claims, are frequent country which they fled 13 July UNITED for Intercultural Action, European network against nationalism, racism, 2012 fascism and in support of migrants and refugees publishes a list of 16,264 documented deaths at the borders of « Fortress Europe » between January 1993 and June 2012 (including name, country of origin, and cause of death)

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17 July - Spanish delegate El Barkani - In June, hundreds of people 2012 announces that a helicopter will now attempted, sometimes ensure the surveillance of the wall successfully, to cross the 12 km between Melilla [cf. Sept-Oct 2005] long and 6 m high triple fence and Morocco and says: - In Melilla and Ceuta - “I can see that the Kingdom of respectively, partly funded by Morocco is a very good collaborator European funds, the cost was 33 and I was informed that they deport and 30 million Euros, i. e. 3 to 4 immigrants [sic] from the area” million Euros per km 20 July The mayor of Athens announces that In Greece, the refugee 2012 a detention centre will be built in his recognition rate is close to 0% town 4 The police’s spokesperson explained - Xenios Zeus operation in August that [B2]: Greece : the police is clamping 2012 - “Athens must reclaim the state of down on undocumented law and its quality of life” migrants in Athens, 1,500 arrest - It is a “need for national survival” - The operation coincides with “The message we want to send is that the visit by the « troika » experts Greece cannot provide employment (EU-CEB-IMF) who believe that and residence” the improvement of Greece’s financial situation is partly conditioned upon the management of immigration.

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16 [- The Australian government [- The Pacific Solution consisted August announces it will reinstate Pacific in outsourcing to neighbouring 2012 Solution in a spirit of “humanity and countries (Nauru, Papua, justice” towards migrants Malaysia) the management of - The government goes on : “All detention centres where Australians are expecting the Australia was sending Parliament to solve this issue” immigrants and undesirable - The UN and the UNHCR disagree asylum-seekers, or in deporting softly] them to Christmas Island - These centres were built in 2001 and closed in 2007 (2011 for the Malaysian Solution)] 27 - The mission [B2] will include A Maltese sea patrol boat August training on rescue operations at sea, reaches Tripoli (Libya) with 46 2012 ship boarding and controlling military officers aboard from the (no mention of « immigrants » in Maritime Squadron arrives in official statements) Tripoli (Libya), in order to establish “mutually positive military relations” August - French Interior Minister announces - Eviction of Roma from several 2012 the deportation of 7,000 non-French settlements across many cities in Roma by the end of September France 29 - The UN is concerned about the way - Similar operations were August these people are treated. UN special conducted in Summer 2010 2012 Rapporteurs on the human rights of under former government [cf. 28 migrants and on racism protest Jul 2010] against deportations and highlight - Collective expulsions are that collective expulsions are prohibited under international prohibited law [cf. Apr 2005]. They are here disguised in the form of “voluntary returns”

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August The UNHCR publishes a report -In April 2012, UNHCR called 2012 where it is established that Serbia is EU Member States to stop no longer a “safe country” because of removing to Hungary [cf. 18 Feb the political and human rights 2003] asylum-seekers who had situation and because of the risk for transited through Serbia (and asylum-seekers to be deported [cf. were removed there because 1992 ; Dec 2005 ; Apr 2012 ; Dec Serbia was considered as a “safe 2012-Jan 2013] country”) - Serbia hosts one of the largest displaced communities in Europe 6 Sept At least 58 “stowaways” die at 2012 sea in a shipwreck off Turkish shores. 45 are rescued 8 Sept Following this event [B2], the media Shipwreck off Mayotte: 36 2012 emphasise that “40% of the island’s people die or are reported inhabitant are reported to be missing, 3 are rescued undocumented migrants” 11 Sept “Such violence belongs in the past” Increase in violence against 2012 [B2]: Gadem and CMSM (migrant migrants in Morocco : raids, rights organisations) denounce the attacks, collective expulsions resurgence of abusive practices involving both Moroccan and abandoned for years” Spanish authorities in Ceuta and Melilla enclaves 26 Convention “ - To gain better statistical knowledge “Border management and the - To this end, the EU decides to Sept signed between on the people who enter and exit protection of the territory are provide eight million Euros to 2012 the EU and Mauritanian territory intrinsically linked with counter- support Mauritania’s “migration Mauritania - To fight against trafficking in human terrorism activities, a connection strategy” [A1, A3] beings which makes full sense in the current - Since 2011, over 60 check- - To ensure the protection of the weak context”, according to an EU points have been established at and respect for international refugee diplomat [A1] the border with the EU’s law” financial and technical support

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2 Oct A “fundamental rights officer” Ensure that Frontex operations (e.g. This amendment was adopted 2012 is appointed by Frontex, as interceptions at sea or during joint [A2] to address the EP’s concern required in the agency’s new returns in countries of origin) are regarding the absence of control mandate adopted by Member carried out in full respect of of Frontex operations States and the European international standards, in particular the Parliament in October 2011 right to access international protection [cf. 25 Oct2011] 11 First meeting of the EU- The project is articulated around four [A3] “Migration profiles are aimed at - The meeting [A2] was attended Oct funded Euromed Migration III areas: contributing to policy development, by 29 from Southern partners 2012 project on “Mainstreaming - horizontal crosscutting (including reinforcing policy coherence, including Algeria, Egypt, Migration Knowledge into migration profiles) bringing together the different strands Jordania, Lebanon, The Policy Making” - combating irregular migration of migration policy” Palestinian Authority, Morocco - legal migration and Tunisia - migration and development - Delegates included Frontex and IOM officials 16 Oct UNHCR announces the closure of About 2,000 people still live in 2012 Choucha camp and the cessation of Choucha camp, Tunisia [cf. May its support to refugees there 2012], including 1,200 people awaiting relocation and 800 who were not recognised as refugees 17 Oct - The EU ambassador expresses his - The same day, 14 Sub- 2012 concern about the migrant “issue” in Saharans and one Algerian Morocco national are removed - Spanish media report the failed - According to estimates by the attempt by 81 Sub-Saharans to enter Guardia civil in Ceuta, the royal Ceuta, stopped by the Moroccan law gendarmerie operating at the enforcement authorities border stopped 1,696 illegal immigrants [sic] to enter the city this year

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18 Oct Their demands include [B2]: - 73 persons are on hunger strike 2012 - to be informed about ones situation across four detention centres in - to be able to contact the outside Poland world and NGOs - It is the first time that such - to access health care events are made public; they - the respect of children used to be kept off the public eye - the end of mental, physical and and punished with isolation and sexual abuse physical abuse Oct Six EU countries ask the This measure aims to stop a “massive 25 Oct The EU warns Western Balkans Targeted countries [A2]: Serbia, 2012 Commission to reintroduce influx” of asylum-seekers whose 2012 countries against the reintroduction Montenegro, Bosnia, Albania visa obligations for nationals “unfounded” claim should be examined of visa regimes, which would oblige and Macedonia. Requesting from the Western Balkans individually [cf. Dec 2012-Jan 2013] these countries to stop discriminating countries: Germany, Austria, countries enjoying free travel Roma and better integrate them Belgium, France, Luxembourg, in the EU the Netherlands 16 Nov Lampedusa’s new mayor, Giusi - Between May and 3 November, 2012 Nicolini, expresses her shame in front 21 corpses reached the island’s of the banalisation of what she calls a shores “manslaughter” [B2] and her outrage - On 3 November, yet another regarding the silence of the EU, shipwreck: 76 survivors, 11 which has just been awarded the drowned, 28 missing people Nobel peace prize. She is ironically - On 6 September, 56 persons asking how far the municipal were rescued after a shipwreck ; cemetery should extend the number of missing persons is unknown (between 24 and 74 according to various estimates) 19 Nov People targeted by this decision [B2] - Raid in a reception center for 2012 report that they have been pressured asylum-seekers in Norstof Horst into signing “voluntary return” (near Hamburg): 50 people arrested and removed to Serbia by coach - Others are removed by plane to Macedonia

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26 Nov A Tunisian official states: “We - People in exile with no refugee 2012 consider these people as irregular and status [cf. 16 Oct 2012] are not encourage them to participate in the provided any support any more IOM voluntary return programme” in Choucha (health care, safety) [cf. 18 June 2012] - They are now « illegal » under Tunisian law, and blocked in a camp where they do not belong any more and which is about to be closed 13 The European Court of Claim: expeditious and slapdash justice The claimant [A2], a Brazilian, Dec Human Rights (ECHR) in French Guyana, no access to a fair was removed before he could 2012 unanimously condemns remedy before removing a third- defend his case and lodge an France country national appeal 17 The EP’s LIBE (Civil In line with the favourable opinion of The text [A2] aims to reinforce the - Eurodac centralises data on Dec Liberties, Justice and Home the Council of the EU, this vote aims to fight against crime and terrorism, and asylum-seekers and 2012 affairs) Committee (agrees allow law enforcement authorities of mixes these issues with asylum and undocumented migrants ; the that law enforcement Member States and Europol to access illegal immigration Court of Justice of the EU authorities may access to Eurodac –the database which decided that being in an irregular Eurodac centralises fingerprints situation was not a crime per se 22 Dec Mauritania declares it will not accept Almost 50 Sub-Saharans are 2012 “Morocco’s rubbish” forcibly removed and pushed back to the border by Moroccan authorities, but Mauritania refuses to let them in 24 Dec [M. Netanyahu says he is “in contact [The 250 km long anti- 2012 with several African governments” in immigrants fence along the view of “repatriating dozens of Israel-Egypt border is nearly millions of stowaways”] completed]

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Dec - Massive ideological, legislative and penal onslaught in the Balkans 2012- (Serbia, Montenegro, Kosovo, Bosnia) and in Greece Jan - against irregular migrants and asylum-seekers 2013  against “bogus” asylum-seekers arriving in the EU, especially Germany  Kosovo introduces visa obligations for the nationals of 86 countries 30 Jan The UNHCR, in agreement with the 700 to 800 persons, including 2013 IOM and the Tunisian government, around 300 statutory refugees, declares that it wants to incite will face water and electricity rejected asylum-seekers in Choucha cuts [cf. 26 Nov 2012]. to return to their country of origin Makeshift shelters will soon start decaying 4 Feb The AP news agency announces it will no longer use the term “illegal 2013 immigrants” which is deemed inappropriate: only acts, not people, can be illegal 28 Feb According to MEP H. Flautre [cf. 23 The Commission proposes a 2013 Feb 2012], these proposals are far "smart border" package that from “smart”: they will establish a includes a proposal for the super surveillance system […], that is fingerprinting of third-country useless, costly and deleterious […]." nationals and the storage of their She calls it a “Big Brother fingerprints each time they enter technology” and exit the EU. It also foresees priority measures for "bona fide" passengers 12 Mar MSF criticises the concerning Médecins sans frontières (MSF 2013 consequences of the EU's policy on – Doctors without borders) stops the physical and mental health of providing social and medical migrants support to migrants in Morocco, 6 years after their local office was open

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20-28 It aims to monitor Frontex's activities The inter-organization Frontexit Mar [cf. Oct 2004]. Slogan: “Europe is at campaign, initiated by 2013 war against an imaginary enemy” Migreurop, is launched in Brussels, Nouakchott, and at the World Social Forum held in Tunis March Various sources report an increase in the violence against migrants in to June Greece, perpetrated by both public and private actors. The webmedia Rue 2013 89 notes that the EU will increase the budget of its best "border guard" [13 [In 2004, Yemen's government [Saudi Arabia proceeds with the April protested against the adopted route , construction of a security fence 2013] leading to the freezing of the work. at the Yemen border, as reported According to Riyad, the by Arab News. The three-metre reinforcement of security all along the high sand and stone barrier is border "has become an urgent issue equipped with electronic sensors for the kingdom after the start of the along 1,800 km. The project revolution in Yemen in 2011”,to started in 2003 and was prevent illegal immigration, interrupted one year later due to trafficking and smuggling] protests from the Yemen government regarding the border demarcation, although an agreement was reached on this aspect in 2000, as highlighted by the website]

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18 Closeye aims, in coordination with Launch of Closeye, a border April existing systems (Sive, Frontex), to surveillance project at the 2013 “quickly alert on what is happening Western Mediterranean borders without waiting for migrant flows and using high technologies for the mafia to reach the Spanish (including drones and satellites). coasts” The global budget amounts to €12,2 M, including €9 M from the EU. The project brings together many entities, both public and private, from Spain, Portugal and Italy 24 May Outsourcing 1: The Greek Minister of Outsourcing 2: France and other [B1] Public Order announces that the states hire private companies to 3 June government plans to hire a private manage part of the visa requests, 2013 company for the security including the collection of [B2] management of Greek camps biometric data, as revealed by Basta ! magazine 3 June [Law practitioners are wondering: [According to the AP agency, 2013 would deportees be at risk once Israel is negotiating the removal removed, in breach of the 1951 of thousands of "illegal" Convention? Tally Kritzman-Amir migrants with a non-identified argues that Israel is responsible for state (allegedly from East the respect of those people's rights] Africa). No information is given on what Israel is giving in return. - and cf. Jan 2013. Persecutions faced by the Subsaharan community are growing in the country] 9 June [According to Professor Amael [The US weapons majors reply 2013 Cattaruzza, "The border market is to call for proposals aiming to expanding worldwide". It is a the militarization of the Mexican "booming" market that also attracts border. US$ 1billion is available European investors] for the building of surveillance towers]

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15-16 - Over 900 migrants try to reach June Italy by sea 2013 - One vessel carrying 95 people sinks - Survivors cling to the cage of a tuna fishing boat ; the crew cuts the cable leading to the drowning of seven persons 20 June The decision is justified by the fact Niger is the new target of the 2013 that the city is[B2 ] "both a cross- externalization process: the roads and a departure point" and that army launches a vast organized "networks" of migrants "securitization" operation of the have been unveiled Agadez region against "clandestine immigration"(sic) to Libya 11 Adoption by the EP of the The new "asylum" includes: The European Association for Human The package seem to include June recast of the “Asylum” - “Reception” Directive [cf. Feb 2003] Rights (AEDH) expresses concern at better reception and procedure 2013 package after 4 years of - “Procedure” Directive [cf. Dec 2005] the persistence of a "sovereign spirit" safeguards. Member States will discussion within the EU - Dublin Regulation [cf. Feb 2003] which especially translates into the have to transpose both directives - Eurodac Regulation [cf. Jan 2004] maintenance of "accelerated in national law within two years; procedures" and of arbitrary detention however, the directives still gives them some margin for interpretation to Member States 8 July - Pope Francis visits Lampedusa to “mourn” the death of hundred of 2013 Northern Africans who died in their attempt to cross the Mediterranean in seek of a better life. He denounces the world's “indifference” to their fate - MP L. Boldrini (UNHCR's ex-spokesperson) calls for "the reinforcement of sea rescue operations of migrants" and emphasises that "the law must clearly state that helping, rescuing is both a legal and an ethical obligation" (Update: 9 July 2013 - 30 January 2014) Date A1 A2 A3 Date B1 B2

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July - On 25/09, Commissioner Malmström - Pushbacks refer to collective refoulement practices without to warns EU member states that pushbacks any individual examination of a potential asylum claim. These Dec [B2] are illegal and calls for more practices started in Italy ten years ago [cf. Oct 2004, B2 ;] 2013 solidarity, as only 5 of them are in charge were condemned by the ECHR [cf. 23 Feb 2012]. Besides, of 70% of asylum applications removal in a country where a refugee may be in danger is prohibited - A report by the NGO Pro Asyl, dated 7/11, denounces the repeated occurrence of - On 20/7, Australia inaugurates the Real Solution, based on pushbacks against hundreds of people - the removal of immigrants to Papua New Guinea where their many of whom escaping war in Syria- situation shall be examined in the likely prospect of the from the Greek islands in the Aegean sea removal in the country of origin. The first vessel concerned by to Turkey the measure thus sees 74 refugees from Sri Lanka, Iran and Afghanistan being brought back to a Papuan detention centre - On 12/11, the UNHCR reacts and calls for the suspension of the removal of - Pushbacks by Greece are a direct answer to the EU's Syrians. The UN agency has many times demands noted the “mysterious disappearance” of migrants 17 “We don't care if you die”: This is what - Eritreans demonstrate in Lampedusa against their July- detainees report the guards replied to them fingerprinting (17/7) [cf. Jan 2004 ; 17 Dec 2012] Aug in Amygdaleza (Greece) [B2] when they - Reports of riots in removal/detention centres in Greece to 2013 complained about the lack of air complain about a power cut (12/8) ; in the north-east of Italy conditioning in the containers where they at the Gradisca d’Isonzo centre against mistreatment and the were left detained in the sun brutal retaliation measures taken after two evasion attempts (12/8) ; in Austria, 32 refugees are on hunger strike (25/12) July - Morocco : upsurge in number of raids, violent attacks and removal operations against Sub-Saharan people 2013 - Opening in Rabat of a Bureau for Refugees and Stateless Persons on 25/9. UNHCR Representative Nassif welcomes this move - On 3/1/2014, the kingdom announces the launch of a regularisation campaigns for undocumented migrants. However, eligibility criteria may leave many aside (life in Morocco for at least five years, being employed for two years or being able to prove two years of cohabitation with a Moroccan spouse) a concern shared by some human rights organisations like the Gadem 18 Jul In Choucha, the Tunisian government The situation remains dire for the others [cf. 16 Oct 2012; 26 2013 announces that recognised refugees will be Nov 2012]. As of 30/1/2014, recognised refugees are still granted leave to remain waiting for this promise to be fulfilled

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31 - “Last week, 1,300 migrants have - According to Frontex statistics, during the first seven months disembarked in Sicilia and Lampedusa. It of 2013, the number of migrants (12,000) in Sicilia increased Aug is a worrying signal”, Frontex tells the 175% compared to the same period in 2012 – far from the 2013 Italian ANSA news agency in Brussels 2011 figure of 50,000 15 - EU mediator O’Reilly questions - The agency notes a 300% increase in the migratory pressure Nov Frontex's responsibility following the faced by Hungary (including 50% made of “secondary 2013 Lampedusa tragedy [cf. 4 Oct 2013] and arrivals” from Greece, while the remaining part being mainly opposes the theory whereby respect for made of people from Kosovo) human rights is a Member States' - It should be observed that Frontex never refers to refugees or obligation, not Frontex's to asylum seekers, but to “migrants” 8 - The Italian maritime force declares it has - Thus [B1], about 420 refugees add up to the 400 already Sept saved more than 700 people, mainly present in Lampedusa's “Identification and Expulsion Syrians, who were in distress at sea Centre”(CIE) 2013 - The EC denounces the “appalling - 400 other people are rescued in the straight of Sicily, in the

treatments” facing migrants in Lampedusa wake of Italy's launch of the Mare nostrum operation on 14/10 18 where dozens of boat people, coming from to “reinforce its military and humanitarian apparatus in the Dec Africa, and especially Libya, are Mediterranean” that followed the two shipwrecks in October, 2013 disembarking each year. It warns Rome which were given an important media coverage that sanctions may be taken after the - 128 others will be rescued by an American vessel upon publication of a video showing migrants Malta's request being “treated like animals”

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18-23 - The EP and then Eurosur is a 3-4 - MEP Flautre states : “Lampedusa has - The largest shipwreck on the whole period [cf. March 2009, July the EC adopt the European border Oct turned into Europe's cemetery” B2 ; August 2009, B2], less than 1/3 nautical mile away from 2013 Eurosur surveillance 2013 Lampedusa, when a vessel capsized after a fire on board, with - To prevent deaths at sea, Commissioner regulation, in system based on 500 refugees on board, mostly from Somalia and Eritrea Malström recommends that Eurosur [A1] force as of 2/12 high-tech and data should be launched earlier to better - Neither the Italian coast guards, or the Frontex agents sharing - Eurosur was monitor the boats, and to invest more in deployed on the islands, did not see anything. The first mechanisms planned since rescue operations in the Mediterranean assistance was provided by fishermen, thereby risking penal adopted by the EP 2008 under Frontex's aegis sanctions [cf. Jul 2007] and deemed “crucial” to “help - On 25/10, the European Council in - First estimates report 130 dead, but the death tool keeps detect illegal Brussels agrees to reinforce Frontex's rising to 300 and ultimately, on 22/10, to 366 vessels and means and welcomes the Eurosur system - On 11/10, another vessel capsized between Malta and entries” [A1]. When asked “how to avoid death at Lampedusa with about 250 passengers on board; it is sea of refugees?”, it is replied: “By estimated that dozens of people died or disappeared while discouraging them from leaving their others were rescued through a joint operation by Malta and country” Italy, and by vessels sailing in the area – estimates vary widely - Some observers, including the Frontexit depending on the source collective [cf. 20-28 March] express their - On 26/12, shipwreck in the Caribbean sea: 17 dead concern that the launch of Eurosur is (allegedly Haitians), 33 rescued and put in detention geared towards the EU's border securitisation rather than saving the migrants' life at sea 14 - Frontex informs it uses manned and - A Frontex contract has been granted in July to an Austrian Oct unmanned “hybrid drones” also called firm for the experimentation of the DA-42 aircraft [B1]. 2013 optionally piloted aircrafts (OPA) Financial cost for two weeks was 118,000 Euros - Head of Research Beugels calls on - Spain already experimented drones along its south coast (14/10) EU member states to buy OPAs; - According to military sources, Algeria is discussing with Frontex announces it is promoting the DA- Russia the acquisition of about thirty drones, and also 42 aircraft to different countries expresses interest for American equipment (El Watan, 11/1/2014) Oct- - More and more refugees, especially from - Algerian prisoners, who have been detained in Bulgarian Dec Syria, are crossing the Turkish border, detention centres for months, including the Busmantzi centre, 2013 according to the Bulgarian authorities. It is face inhuman treatment and call the authorities for help. estimated that more than 10,000 asylum - Syrian refugees arrive in mass in Serbia as winter comes. seekers will transit through the country in The two “reception centres” Bogovada and Banja Koviljača the coming months, while capacities in are fully occupied. Wild camps and “jungles” are “reception centres” remain insufficient mushrooming. The number of asylum seekers has raised from 50 in 2008 to 4,000 this year 4 1 42

5-6 - Spain announced the reinforcement of a - This measure [B1] follows many “massive assaults”, Nov triple fence around Melilla made of razor- including that of 17/09 where about 300 Sub-Saharan migrants 2013 sharp barbed wires and fine net-like had attempted to climb the fence, 100 of whom did structure at the most exposed locations - On 5/11, an African man dies while trying to cross the - Morocco announces that a wall will be Melilla fence; four are injured, 40 people are detained by 26 built along its northern border with either the guardia civil and the Moroccan gendarmerie Nov Algeria; the news is welcome by Spain's 2013 delegate in Melilla 4 Dec EC Communication on a “task force in This initiative [A2-A3] aims to address criticism against Italy 2013 the Mediterranean” aimed to clarify the and Frontex after the tragedies on 3/10 and 6/10 [cf. 3 Oct rules on interception and rescue at sea 2013, B1, B2] of migrants, and on where to disembark them 10 The Knesset adopts a new detention “Would you have placed Nelson Mandela On 16/9, the Supreme Court had unanimously decided that the Dec system for “illegal” African migrants. in an open or in a closed detention law allowing the detention of “illegal” migrants for three years 2013 They may be detained in Israel for up centre?”, asks MP Zandberg to the without a trial was unconstitutional because it breached to one year without any trial Parliament another law on human dignity and liberty 16 EU-Turkey Turkey accepts 4 Dec - “Today is a historical day. The Turkish Readmission agreements have already been signed on 18/4 Dec readmission the “return” of 2013 people will be able to travel without visa in and 19/4 with Cape Verde and Armenia 2013 agreement undocumented the European Union within the next three migrants of any years and a half at the latest”, believes a origin who would Turkish diplomat in Brussels, 12 days have entered the before the signature of the agreement EU through its - Indeed, Turkey had announced it would territory only sign the agreement if the visa obligation was lifted 27 President of the Agadez Anacko regional - The daily Libération reveals to the French readership that the Dec council claims that the barracks [B2] have Nigerian army discovered 92 bodies (33 women, 7 men and 52 2013 been re-opened a few days later children) in October in the Tenere desert. These people, “corruption is endemic here and the central originating from the Zinder region, were en route to Algeria power, which is aware of all that happens, - The authorities immediately decide to close down the does not do anything to change the Agadez and Arlit barracks, transit sites for migrants [cf. B1] situation” 21 The Italian senate The North League senators (extreme right) Jan abolishes the react violently, holding banners stating 2013 crime of “illegal “No to the abolishment of the crime of immigration” illegal immigration”

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20-21 - In the night, a vessel carrying 25 Afghans and 3 Syrians, capsize off the Farmakosini island. 16 people are Jan rescued by the Greek coast guards. 12 people are reported dead or disappeared, among them women (3) and 2014 children (9) - According to survivors, the boat was pulled at a very high speed towards Turkey as part of a push back operation [cf. Jul to Dec 2013, B1, B2 ] and the head vessel was zigzag sailing which caused the shipwreck - The UNHCR calls on the Greek government to account for the accident 22 - The government [B2] promotes its slogan Serious violence by the Australian army against asylum Jan stop the boats and its “sovereign borders” seekers on board the vessel forcibly removing them to 2014 operation [cf. Jul to Dec 2013] Indonesia - Amnesty International calls for the end of the removal of asylum seekers to detention centres in other countries [cf. 16 August 2012]

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