The European Union’s €5 billion trust fund for Africa, aimed at curbing migration to Europe, has been criticized by the European Court of Auditors for lacking focus and failing to mitigate human rights concerns. The fund, established in 2015, was meant to tackle instability and irregular migration but has faced scrutiny for supporting projects with questionable outcomes. For instance, EU-funded equipment in Libya reportedly exacerbated overcrowding in detention centers where migrants were tortured. Additionally, many funded projects, such as a solar-powered chicken shed in Chad, were either abandoned or failed economically. The audit also highlighted that human rights violations linked to EU-funded security efforts were inadequately monitored. While the European Commission defended its efforts, admitting that procedures needed strengthening, critics argue the fund’s broad scope has undermined its effectiveness in achieving its migration-control goals.
SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN
