Francesca Mannocchi

Italy takes controversial steps to rein in refugee rescue boats

NGOs focused on saving tens of thousands of refugees stranded on the Mediterranean denounce a new code that attempts to restrict their work, arguing the real problem is the failure of other EU states to live up to their humanitarian responsibilities.

Children born under Daesh rule struggle to prove their citizenship

Several thousand parents in Iraq's Mosul city are concerned about the future of their children who were born under Daesh's rule. The Iraqi authorities are willing to register them, but corruption has complicated the process.

Libya's smuggling sector overshadows broken economy

The traffickers are virtually the only people in Libya these days to have a steady cash flow, from refugees paying for their "tickets" to a better life. The rest of the economy has collapsed.

Syrian refugees seek sanctuary in Italy

​As Syrian families forced to flee the war find increasing hostility in Lebanon, a handful have been offered a new home in northern Italy. The charities behind the "humanitarian corridor" initiative hope it will inspire similar projects in Europe.