Migrants moving from West African countries into the European Union have to pass through nations including Algeria, Libya, and Niger. Deaths have almost doubled as migrants face life-threatening conditions in Niger.

Migrants deported from Algeria are being abandoned in northern Niger. These migrants are not given access to shelter, healthcare, protection, or basic necessities. Many migrants are abandoned in the city of Assamaka and, fewer than 15 percent of them are able to access shelter or protection when they arrive.

Assamakka is a small desert town in northern Niger at a main border crossing with Algeria. It is the only official crossing point between the two nations. Assamakka shares the border with the larger town of In Guezzam 10 km on the Algerian side. A main road extends north in Algeria to Tamanrasset, 400 km away.

Médecins Sans Frontières supports the Integrated Health Centre (IHC) in Assamaka but it is not able to support the number of migrants in the city. Schemssa Kimana, a project coordinator for MSF, reported that there were, “ …people sleeping in every corner of the facility.” In addition to this, makeshift tents have been set up around the building and other migrants are, “ …in front of the maternity ward, on the roof, or in the waste area.” Migrants are sleeping in unhygienic places, as they are seeking refuge from the town’s high heat. This can leave them exposed to diseases and infections. Migrants living in the town are then sent back to the IHC if they are found by police. 

Migrants in Assamaka do not know when they will be able to return to their countries of origin. They are being given poor-quality food that leaves them ill.

We must all raise awareness regarding migration issues. Migrants are subject to many human rights violations. Efforts can and must be made to improve these conditions. If we all start to think about these issues we are one step closer to effectively supporting migrants.