The humanitarian crisis affecting migrants from Eritrea and Ethiopia continues to escalate, illustrated by the recent arrival of 71 migrants on the vessel Humanity 1 at the port of Ravenna, Italy. This group, primarily consisting of Eritrean nationals—51 individuals—and Ethiopian refugees—9 individuals—arrived after perilous journeys through conflict-ridden regions. Among them were 62 men, including 16 unaccompanied minors, alongside 9 women, several of whom exhibited signs of torture and other physical scars from their journeys.
The operation to disembark these individuals was coordinated by local authorities, supported by medical personnel and volunteers, concluding around 1 PM on February 25, 2025. After disembarkation, 50 of the migrants were transferred to Bologna, with the remaining group staying at facilities in Ravenna. This incident marks the second landing of Humanity 1 at this port, which has so far seen 1,747 migrants arrive.
Among the arrivals was also a mother carrying her five-year-old daughter and numerous minors. Witnesses reported none of the migrants were wearing shoes, prompting volunteers to provide them with flip-flops to ease their distress upon arrival. The boat had departed from Libya, where they endured extensive periods at sea—reportedly three days—due to the treacherous conditions faced by those escaping from Africa's perilous migration pathways.
According to Lucia Bonatesta, representative of SOS Humanity, many survivors suffered severe burns from oil and saltwater exposure. “They recounted various types of torture experienced in Libya, including unaccompanied minors. Some have attempted the Mediterranean crossing multiple times, facing pushbacks from the Libyan Coast Guard. Tragically, some shared instances of sexual violence as well,” she noted, underlining the harrowing realities many endure.
The growing plight of migrants fleeing Eritrea and Ethiopia is echoed by alarming reports of police violence within Ethiopia. The situation has worsened since the end of the Tigray war, with recent accounts highlighting not only oppressive government actions but also mortality at the hands of the authorities. A particularly grim case involved the tragic deaths of several Eritrean refugees attempting to flee police detention. These incidents have sparked outrage among human rights advocates, leading to urgent calls for action.
At the end of January, several young men, including 16-year-old Hanibal, died during attempts to escape police custody. These events highlight the dire conditions migrants face within Ethiopia, as they are often caught between governmental repression and the rejection of their needs by society. Reports indicate families must pay exorbitant fees—around $6,000—to reclaim bodies of loved ones lost to violence, exacerbated by the struggling economic situations of many families.
Ilze Brands-Kehris of the United Nations Office for Human Rights recently criticized the Eritrean defense forces for their continued presence and violations against refugees. “This impunity continues to encourage the perpetrators of human rights violations,” he stated, pressing for immediate removal of Eritrean troops from the Tigray region, citing the grievous conditions facing many already displaced by conflict.
Despite the social upheaval and violence, organizations such as SOS Humanity and various local humanitarian groups have actively worked to assist migrants. Community members engaged volunteers to provide necessary support, showcasing solidarity amid such challenges. “Ravenna has organized itself to support those in need,” said Prefect Raffaele Ricciardi, emphasizing the collaborative efforts from public and private sectors to aid these vulnerable individuals.
The complex dynamic involving migrants reflects the broader tensions surrounding migration policies within Europe and the impact of international obligations on nations such as Italy. With every arrival like those from Humanity 1, the urgent need for sustainable solutions becomes increasingly apparent, encouraging dialogue on humanitarian responses amid rising pressures.
Tomorrow, additional insights on the lasting impact of these crises will emerge, focusing on individual stories of survival and resilience from migration routes through Africa and beyond, offering faces to the statistics of despair.