Echoes #22 - BORDERS KILL. SOLIDARITY FIGHTS BACK!

From June to October 2026, across the Central Mediterranean, the EU and its member states have intensified their war on migration: expanding detention and deportation, strengthening Frontex, outsourcing border violence to third countries and criminalising those who move and who resist. From the persecution and displacement of racialised communities in Libya to deaths at sea and attacks on rescue organisations, the consequences of this regime are devastating and deliberate. 

Yet resistance is growing! Survivors are demanding justice, courts are pushing back against unlawful restrictions on rescue, and solidarity networks are growing across borders. From Libya to Greece, from the Central Mediterranean to the streets of Italy, struggles are connecting to resist repression, expose complicity and defend the right to move freely. Against borders and exclusion, solidarity fights back! 

Since the beginning of 2026: 

• 22,891 people arrived to Italy by sea, many of whom arrived autonomously (UNHCR figures up to September 30). 
• 4565 people were rescued by the Civil fleet from 128 boats in distress (CMRCC figure up to September 30). 
• 17,067 people were pushed back to Libya after they were intercepted by the EU-supported so-called Libyan Coast Guard (IOM figure up to mid-September). 
• 996 people have been reported dead or missing on the Central Mediterranean Route (IOM figure up to mid-September).