Data from a new report by the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, the UN migration agency IOM and the Mixed Migration Centre (MMC) highlights the often under-reported perils facing vulnerable people on the move on dangerous land routes.

Abuse along the route

“Regardless of their status, migrants, refugees, seem to face serious human rights violations and abuse along the route…We cannot lose our capacity to get outraged by this level of violence,” said Vincent Cochetel, UNHCR Special Envoy for the Western and Central Mediterranean.

More people are estimated to cross the Sahara desert than the Mediterranean Sea  and deaths of refugees and migrants in the desert are presumed to be double those at sea. The report – “On this journey, no-one cares if you live or die” – spans a three-year data collection period and warns of an increase in the number of people attempting these perilous land crossings. 

Highlighting that the central Mediterranean migration route continues to be among the deadliest in the world, IOM Director of the Coordination Office for the Mediterranean Laurence Hart noted that “a very high number of people” still take the risk of embarking on “very dangerous journeys. Obviously, there’s a lot of people do not choose to move, but they are pushed because of…political conflict, instability.”

Push factors

So-called push factors on the migration route include the deteriorating situation in countries of origin and host countries – such as new conflicts in the Sahel and Sudan – the devastating impact of climate change and disasters on new and protracted emergencies in the East and Horn of Africa, as well as racism and xenophobia towards refugees and migrants.

Huge gaps in protection and assistance prevail across the Central Mediterranean route, pushing refugees and migrants to move onward on dangerous journeys, the report notes.

“Just last week, we heard that 5,000 people died on the Atlantic route to the Canary Islands in the first five months of this year – that’s an increase of 700 per cent compared to the same period last year,” said Bram Frouws, Director of the Mixed Migration Centre (MMC). “We also know even though we don’t have fully accurate numbers, and indeed it is an underestimation that countless others die on the land routes, up to the Mediterranean coast, possibly even more than at sea.”

Insufficient efforts

Despite commitments undertaken by the international community to save lives and address vulnerabilities, the report’s authors warned that current efforts to hold all those accountable for the abuse and dangers that migrants and refugees suffer are inadequate. Criminal groups and traffickers are often responsible for terrible abuses, Mr. Frouws said, but “State officials – like police, military and border guards” – also played a role. “But whoever they are, whichever category, they should be held accountable. But at the moment, much of this is happening in a situation of near complete impunity.”

The report noted that smuggling routes are shifting towards more remote areas to avoid active conflict zones or border controls by State and non-State actors, subjecting people on the move to even greater risks. 

The kinds of abuse reported include torture, physical violence, arbitrary detention, death, kidnapping for ransom, sexual violence and exploitation, enslavement, human trafficking, forced labour, organ removal, robbery, arbitrary detention, collective expulsions and refoulement.

Stepping up life-saving protection

Support as well as access to justice for survivors of various forms of abuse is rarely available anywhere on the routes, the report indicated, citing inadequate funding and restrictions on humanitarian access. This is particularly the case in key locations such as informal detention centres and holding facilities. 

Despite these challenges, UNHCR, IOM and partners including NGOs and several governments have stepped up life-saving protection services and assistance, identification and referral mechanisms along the routes. But they insist that humanitarian action is not enough.  

“It’s important to look at how to regularize or legalise migrants in countries of transit if there is a need, but also further afield…in European countries responding to the need for talents and for manpower,” said IOM’s Mr. Hart. “Opening up regular channels is indeed not the silver bullet, but certainly an enabler. Another element, another pillar, on which migration governance hinges on.” 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.

Siemens Digital Industries (www.Siemens.com) and PE Energy partner to enhance industrial automation in Nigeria; Combining Siemens’ technology with PE Energy’s expertise to boost efficiency, productivity, and sustainability; This partnership aims to drive industrial growth and competitiveness in Nigeria through advanced automation solutions.

Siemens and PE Energy are proud to announce their strategic partnership, aimed at enhancing the landscape with advanced industrial automation systems, motion and drives, and process instrumentation across Nigeria. This collaboration promises to deliver state-of-the-art solutions to a diverse array of industries such as Oil&Gas, manufacturing, food&beverage, and more.

As a leading player in the Nigerian industrial sector, PE Energy has consistently demonstrated its commitment to excellence and innovation. By teaming up with Siemens Digital Industries, a global innovation and technology leader in industrial automation, PE Energy is set to provide unparalleled services that enhance operational efficiency, productivity, and sustainability for its clients.

“Our partnership represents a powerful synergy of Siemens’ advanced technology and PE Energy’s industry expertise,” states Sabine Dall’Omo, CEO of Siemens Sub-Saharan Africa. “Together, we look forward to driving significant advancements in industrial automation across Nigeria, fostering growth and innovation in the region. This collaboration paves the way for the future of automation and innovation, empowering Nigerian businesses to compete globally and prosper locally.”

“We are excited about this partnership with Siemens Digital Industries,” said Mr. Daere Akobo, Chairman of PANA Holdings and CEO of its subsidiary, PE Energy. “This collaboration aligns with our mission to offer cutting-edge technology and comprehensive solutions that meet the dynamic needs of our clients across various industries. Together, we will drive the implementation of state-of-the-art solutions in Nigeria’s industrial sector, fostering growth and competitiveness.”

The partnership will leverage Siemens’ advanced technology and expertise in automation, drive systems, and process instrumentation. PE Energy will integrate these solutions to deliver customized, high-performance systems that address the unique challenges faced by Nigerian industries. This includes enhancing factory automation processes, optimizing motion and drives applications, and improving process instrumentation for better control and efficiency.

This partnership underscores a shared vision of advancing industrial automation capabilities and fostering technological innovation in Nigeria. Both PE Energy and Siemens Digital Industries are dedicated to empowering businesses with the tools and expertise needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive global market.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Siemens AG.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Siemens Market Communications Manager
Keshin Govender
Keshin.govender@siemens.com

About Siemens AG:
Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich) is a leading technology company focused on industry, infrastructure, transport, and healthcare. From more resource-efficient factories, resilient supply chains, and smarter buildings and grids, to cleaner and more comfortable transportation as well as advanced healthcare, the company creates technology with purpose adding real value for customers. By combining the real and the digital worlds, Siemens empowers its customers to transform their industries and markets, helping them to transform the everyday for billions of people. Siemens also owns a majority stake in the publicly listed company Siemens Healthineers, a globally leading medical technology provider shaping the future of healthcare.

In fiscal 2023, which ended on September 30, 2023, the Siemens Group generated revenue of €77.8 billion and net income of €8.5 billion. As of September 30, 2023, the company employed around 320,000 people worldwide. Further information is available on the Internet at www.Siemens.com.

About PE Energy Ltd:  
PE Energy is a premier provider of integrated solutions in the industrial sector, specializing in delivering high-quality products and services that enhance operational efficiency and sustainability. In collaboration with its affiliate, AKD Digital Solutions Ltd, PE Energy focuses on innovative solution that optimize workflows and processes and maximize performance and customer satisfaction, across a wide range of industries in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa.

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany announced the Winners of Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition “More Than a Mother” Awards 2023 and “Diabetes and Hypertension” Awards 2023 from Rwanda. Winners from the rest of the Africa were also announced, in partnership with African First Ladies, the Ambassadors of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother. The awards ceremony was held via Videoconference to felicitate all the media award winners.

The winners were announced and acknowledged by Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of “More Than a Mother” campaign. The theme of “More Than a Mother” Awards was to raise awareness on any of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/or Stopping GBV at all levels and the theme of “Diabetes and Hypertension” Awards was to Promote a Healthy Lifestyle and raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension in the African countries.

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej expressed, “I am very excited to announce the winners from Rwanda and the rest of Africa. We have 83 winners from 22 African countries in partnership with my dear sisters First Ladies of Africa and Ambassadors of “Merck Foundation More than a Mother”. Congratulations to all our winners.

We started our Media Awards in 2017, and year after year we are witnessing a substantial increase in the number of outstanding and regular  entries from many African countries, which is very encouraging for us.

All our winners are the Champions of critical and sensitive social and health issues in their communities.

It’s truly inspiring to witness how we’re actively involving and engaging everyone, enabling them to be the voice of the voiceless and create a culture shift.

I’m delighted to extend a warm welcome as you join the Merck Foundation Alumni. let’s keep raising awareness on social and health together.”

Merck Foundation is additionally rewarding the winners by providing them with one year access of an online educational training program called ‘MasterClass’. The MasterClass is an immersive online experience and self-paced learning course that can be accessed anywhere with the internet.

“I would also like to announce the Call for Applications for the Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards 2024 “More Than a Mother” and “Diabetes and Hypertension”. These awards are in partnership with my dear sisters, the African First Ladies who are also the Ambassadors of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”, concluded Senator Kelej.

Rwandan Winner of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” Media Recognition Awards 2023:

Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” Media Recognition Awards 2023

Hudson Kuteesa, The New Times, Rwanda. Third Position, Online Category

Winners of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” Media Recognition Awards 2023

Here are the winners from West African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of The Gambia, H.E. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW; and The First Lady of Ghana and H.E. REBECCA AKUFO-ADDO:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

Raissa Sambou, The Spectator, Ghana (First Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Emelia Naa Ayeley Aryee, Myjoyonline, Ghana (First Position)
Mariam Hamzat, Freelancer, Nigeria (Second Position)
Mariama, Dem Star.gm, The Gambia (Second Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNER

Evelyn Kpadeh Seagbeh, New Narratives, Liberia (First Position)
Mavis Offei Acheampong, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), Ghana (Second Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS

Emmanuel Samani, TV3, Ghana (First Position)
Stanley Nii Blewu, TV3, Ghana (Second Position)

Here are the Winners from Southern African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Malawi, H.E. MONICA CHAKWERA; The First Lady of Zambia, H.E. MUTINTA HICHILEMA; The First Lady of Zimbabwe, H.E. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNERS

Melody Mupeta, Zambia Daily, Zambia (First Position)
Moses Mugugunyeki, The Standard, Zimbabwe, (Second Position)
Gresham Ngwira, Freelancer, Malawi (Second Position)
Sonja Smith, The Namibian, Print Category, Namibia (Third Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Michael Magoronga, Zimpapers, Zimbabwe (First Position)
Munyaradzi Blessing Doma, ZimNow, Zimbabwe (Second Position)
Caroline Mapando, Africabrief, Malawi (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

Charlotte Nambadja, Desert Radio, Radio Category, Namibia (First Position)
Britta Mpata Blantyre, Synod Radio, Malawi (First Position)
Sera Tamina, Radio Icengelo, Zambia (Second Position)
Monde Chaba, Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation, Zambia (Third Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS

Mirriam Kayemba, CAMNET TV,  Zambia (First Position)
Alepher Kasongo, MBC News, Malawi (Second Position)

Here are the winners from East African Countries:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNERS

Marco Maduhu, Nipashe Newspaper, Tanzania (First Position)
Elizabeth Angira, MT Kenya Times and People Daily, Kenya (First Position)
Shaban Njia, Nipashe Newspaper, Tanzania (Second Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Moraa Obiria, Nation Media Group, Kenya (First Position)
Isabella Maua Chemosit, The Times, Kenya (Second Position)
Aveline Kitomary, Tanzania Standard, Tanzania (Third Position)
Sophia Rukwaro, Black Hustlers TV, Kenya (Third Position)
Beatrice Philemon Mukocho, The Guardian Newspaper, Tanzania (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

Caren Waraba Sisya, Citizen Radio, Kenya (First Position)
Olga Fadhil Lungala, Moshifm Radio, Tanzania (Second Position)
Adam Hhando, CG FM, Tanzania (Second Position)
Namale Hajara Shahista, CBS FM, Uganda (Third Position)
Angela Kezengwa, Citizen Radio, Kenya (Third Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNER

Walter Mwesigye, NTV Uganda, Uganda (First Position)
Elizabeth Atieno Ochieng, TV 47 KENYA, Kenya (Second Position)

Here are the winners from French Speaking African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Burundi, H.E. ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

Koami Agbetiafa, Societe, Niger (First Position)
Astère NDUWAMUNGU, www.lerenouveau.bi, Burundi (Second Position)
Traore Brehima, The TOGUNA, Mali (Third Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Mêmèdé Ambroisine Azododassi, Savoir News, Togo (First Position)
Jessy NZENGU, lualabamaprovince.com, DRC (First Position)
AYIBE Ablavi Ayélo, SAVOIR NEWS, Togo (Second Position)
Haburanimana Gérard, Agaseke.bi, Burundi (Third Position)
JEANINE NYABENDA, Ijisho Web Site News TV, Burundi (Third Position)
Tognisse Pugilbert Yannick, DecryptageBenin.com, Benin (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

Cyriaque NDAYISHIMIYE, Radio TV BUNTU, Burundi (First Position)
Edmond Niyonkur, Radio Ubuzima-FM, Burundi (Second Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS

Bahwa Ferdinand, Le Journal.Africa, Burundi (First Position)
Amadou BELLO, Balafon Direct, Cameroon (Second Position)

Here are the winners from Portuguese Speaking African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Cabo Verde, H.E. Dr. DÉBORA KATISA CARVALHO:

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Ângelo Amaro Semedo, DW África, Cabo Verde (First Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

Maria José Teixeira Veiga Macedo, Rádio de Cabo Verde, Cabo Verde (First Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS

Edineia Barros, TV Cabo Verde, Cabo Verde (First Position)

Winners of Merck Foundation “Diabetes&Hypertension” Media Recognition Awards 2023

Here are the winners from West African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Ghana, H.E. REBECCA AKUFO-ADDO:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

Jennifer Ambolley, Chronicle, Ghana (First Position)
Godwin Awuni Anafo, Daily Graphic, Ghana (Second Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Odimegwu Onwumere, thenigerianvoice.com, Nigeria (First Position)
Muniratu Akweley Issah, Ghana News Agency, Ghana (Second Position)
Cecilia Lagba Yada, Ghanaian Times, Ghana (Third Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNER

Grace Hammoah Agyemang, TV3, Ghana (First Position)

Here are the Winners from Southern African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Malawi, H.E. MONICA CHAKWERA; The First Lady of Zambia, H.E. MUTINTA HICHILEMA; The First Lady of Zimbabwe, H.E. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

Ed-Grant Ndoza, Malawi News Agency, Malawi (First Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Maria Kandjungu, Unwrap, Online Category, Namibia (First Position)
Alain Kabinda, Daily News Agency, Zambia (Second Position)
Phillipa Mwazvita Chinhoi, Herald.co, Zimbabwe (Third Position)
Rosalia Hipondoka, DBS Blogposts, Online Category, Namibia (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

Henry Haukeya, MBC Radio, Malawi (First Position)
Sylviah Chisi, Trans World Radio Malawi (TWR), Malawi (Second Position)
Martha Mzumara, Trans World Radio Malawi (TWR), Malawi (Third Position)

Here are the winners from East African Countries:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

Christina Stephen Mwakangale, Nipashe, Tanzania (First Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Lucy John Bosco, Mwananchi Online, Tanzania (First Position)
Dorcas Wangira, BBC, Kenya (Second Position)
Veronica Romwald Mrema, Freelancer, Tanzania (Third Position)
Tulinagwe Alison Malopa, Gazetini, Tanzania (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

Mildrine Nafula Sabwami, North Rift Radio FM, Kenya (First Position)
Mwanaisha Mohamed Makumbuli, Highlands FM Radio, Tanzania (Second Position)

Here are the winners from French Speaking African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Burundi, H.E. ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNERS

Moïse NKURUNZIZA, Le Renouveau du Burundi, Burundi (First Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Cassien Tribunal Aungane, Diplomacy&Development, DRC (First Position)
Akossiwa Agossivi YIBOKOU-MENSAH, SAVOIR NEWS, TOGO (Second Position)
Alphonse Julio GADA, GLOBAL NEWS BÉNIN, Benin (Third Position)
Petga Tonga Valgadine, lavoixdukoat.com, Cameroon, (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

Honorine NININAHAZWE, Burundi National Radio, Burundi (First Position)
Maurice TUNINAHAZIMANA, Radio TV Buntu, Burundi (Second Position)
Rémy RUKUNDO, TV BUNTU, Burundi (Third Position)
 

Here is the winner from Portuguese Speaking African Country in partnership with The First Lady of Mozambique, H.E. ISAURA FERRÃO NYUSI:

RADIO CATEGORY WINNER

Abdul Ibraimo, Radio of Mozambique, Mozambique (First Position)

Details of Merck Foundation Media Awards 2024:

1. Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition “More Than a Mother” Awards 2024

Theme for the awards: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Who can apply: Journalists from Print, Radio, Online, and Multimedia platforms from the following groups:

Southern African Countries
West African Countries
East African Countries
French Speaking African Countries
Portuguese Speaking African Countries

Submission deadline: 30th September 2024.

2. Merck Foundation Media Recognition “Diabetes&Hypertension” Awards 2024

Theme for the awards: Promoting a healthy lifestyle and raising awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Who can apply: Journalists from Print, Radio, Online, and Multimedia platforms from the following groups:

Southern African Countries
West African Countries
East African Countries
French Speaking African Countries
Portuguese Speaking African Countries
Latin American Countries
Asian Countries

Submission deadline: 30th October 2024.

All entries are to be submitted to submit@merck-foundation.com.

Kindly note, sending multiple relevant entries for both the categories will increase the chances of winning the award.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.

Contact details:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager
+91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

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About Merck Foundation:
The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality&equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare and scientific research capacity and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website.  Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/3XMeTur, Twitter: https://apo-opa.co/3VUObwW, Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/4bCeEFj, YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/3VQXoqb and Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/3XTphAu.

MSGBC Oil, Gas&Power 2024 will host its first CEO Assembly on December 2, one day before the conference and exhibition officially opens in Dakar from December 3-4, under the patronage of Senegalese President Birame Souleye Diop.

This invitation-only event will gather up to 30 global CEOs from diverse sectors, including oil and gas majors, independent producers, renewable developers and technology innovators. This exclusive event offers a unique opportunity for CEOs to engage in confidential, open dialogue with government representatives. Held under Chatham House Rules, it ensures a safe space for candid idea exchanges.

Explore opportunities, foster partnerships, and stay at the forefront of the MSGBC region’s oil, gas, and power sector. Visit http://apo-opa.co/3L9vhO0 to secure your participation at the MSGBC Oil, Gas&Power 2024 conference. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

The discussions will tackle industry challenges, foster strategic partnerships and influence the future of the MSGBC energy sector. Topics include unlocking the region’s energy potential, emphasizing natural gas and green hydrogen development, forecasting industry trends, implementing best practices and exploring investment opportunities and regulatory frameworks.

Africa is at a crucial stage in its energy evolution, with abundant resources making it a key destination for exploration and production. MSGBC countries, such as Mauritania and Senegal, have become focal points for major ventures, like the Grande Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) gas project by bp and Kosmos and Woodside’s Sangomar oil project. These projects are set to shape the region’s evolving energy landscape during the transition.

The Sangomar project produced its first oil in June 2024, with its initial phase targeting an estimated gross oil resource of 231 million barrels and aiming to produce up to 100,000 barrels per day. Concurrently, the GTA project is scheduled to commence gas production in the third quarter of 2024, it aims to yield approximately 2.5 million metric tons per annum of natural gas. Additionally, the MSGBC region boasts abundant renewable energy prospects, exemplified by large-scale green hydrogen initiatives such as the Chariot and TotalEnergies’ Green Hydrogen 10 GW Project Nour or the 35 GW GreenGo’s Megaton Moon project in Mauritania.

The CEO assembly promotes a balanced approach to African energy development, focusing on innovation and responsible resource management. It provides a platform for open industry discussions to address challenges, seize opportunities and shape the future of the sector for sustainability and prosperity.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power.