Breaking news:

African Commission Seizes Landmark Complaint on Migrant Border Deaths

Press release: Rabat – 23 March 2026

Clinique Juridique Hijra Maroc confirms that the Commission Africaine des Droits de l’Homme et des Peuples (African Union) has seized a communication concerning alleged violations of the right to life (Article 4 of the African Charter) by Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt. On 13 February 2026, the Commission’s Registry informed the complainant that the communication had been registered and communicated to the respondent States.

The complaint, submitted in July 2025, addresses the structural and persistent loss of life along the Central and Western Mediterranean routes. It argues that intensified border control measures, interception practices, and inadequate rescue and identification systems have contributed to foreseeable and preventable deaths. Clinique Juridique Hijra Maroc submits that States are failing to:

-take adequate preventive measures to protect life;

-review migration policies that produce lethal side effects; and

-implement effective systems to identify deceased migrants.

The case raises fundamental questions regarding the compatibility of migration-control policies with the right to life, as well as States’ obligations in the context of regional cooperation on border management.

With the communication now seized and formally communicated to the respondent States, the case moves to the stage of substantive examination. Hijra has requested urgent consideration in light of the ongoing loss of life at North African maritime borders.

For inquiries or to support the complaint (e.g. via third party interventions), please contact Younous Arbaoui, Head of Clinique Juridique Hijra Maroc, and Assistant Professor at ACMRL Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam)