Germany pushes for new rules for migrant boats

World Today

At least two more deaths on the Mediterranean overnight, as Germany proposes a plan to stop the migrant boats.

CCTV America’s Guy Henderson reports.
Follow Guy Henderson on Twitter @guyhendersonde

The numbers daring the journey across the Mediterranean this year may have fallen. Deaths have sharply increased.

In fact, around three-quarters of all irregular migrant fatalities globally so far in 2016 have happened on these waters.

The German government wants action-it’s pushing for maritime patrols to pick up migrants and refugees, and send them back to apply for asylum in African countries.

With or without the go-ahead of its European partners.

Turkey and the EU agreed a similar deal months ago.

It has almost completely stopped the boats, but some have questioned its legality.

But while Europe looks to close the gaps in its external borders, it’s also looking to reach further beyond them.

2016 will be a record year for German oversees aid, and nearly half the total goes to Africa.

Policymakers here want to go further; they’re talking about finalizing what they call a “Marshall Plan” for the continent within months. As European migrant policy becomes more and more restrictive, the hope, it appears is, to make up for it with a more expansive approach to development.