World
15:23, 01-Sep-2017
Italy adopts new approach to halt migration, targets aid groups
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Italy has adopted an aggressive approach to halting migration across the Mediterranean, throwing its support behind the Libyan coast guards. It is also cracking down on aid groups operating off the country's coast.
Aid groups have reported clashes with the Libyan coast guards who have expanded the search and rescue zone into international waters. They are also restricting access to the humanitarian ships.
It means these days it’s often Libyan boats that are picking up migrants at sea and then returning them to Tripoli.
In Catania, where tens of thousands of migrants have taken their first steps on to European soil, there is support for Italy’s new crackdown.
As Italy cracks down on the number of migrants arriving on its shores, new routes have opened up elsewhere. In Spain there has been a big spike in migrant arrivals lately. And across the waters there are still tens of thousands migrants waiting to make the journey to Europe.