Migration on the increase, according to the UN

Friday, December 17th is International Migrant Day. The UN says migration is on the rise, with one in 32 people worldwide now living in a country other than that of their birth. That rises to one in ten in Europe and one in seven in North America. The United States has long been a beacon for people seeking to make a better life for themselves; our reporters Constantin Simon and Vikram Singh followed one Indian family who are doing just that.

FOCUS

By Constantin SIMON / Vikram Singh

Programme prepared by Kate Williams, Marie Billon and Patrick Lovett

18/06/2013 - CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

Central African Republic: a country in distress

Tensions are rife in the Central African Republic, 3 months after former President Bozizé was ousted by a coup led by a rebel coalition known as ‘Séléka’. For the country’s new president – Michel Djotodia, one of the leaders of the Séléka rebel coalition- the situation is “back to normal” and the Central African Republic is stabilized. In reality, with Seleka militias on the loose, violence abd looting remains widespread in the capital city Bangui and throughout the countries provinces.

17/06/2013 - BRAZIL

Brazil, the new El Dorado

Brazil has long been a magnet for immigrants from other Latin American countries. But now people are coming from as far away as Haiti, and even West Africa, driven by hopes of a better life. France 24 travelled to the small town of Brasileia on the border with Bolivia, which has become the main entry point for immigrants coming from the Third World.

14/06/2013 - IRAN

Iranians vote amid economic woes

As Iranians head to the polls this Friday, their country weathers an unprecedented economic crisis, due mainly to international sanctions over Iran's controversial nuclear programme. The economy is a major issue for voters. Some will come down on the side of reform. Others say they have had enough, and won't vote at all.

13/06/2013 - KUWAIT

Kuwaiti Twitter users face jail time for anti-Emir messages

Earlier this week a Kuwaiti woman was sentenced to eleven years in prison after criticising the country's Emir in a tweet. Observers say the government is cracking down on internet activists as the country's opposition prepares for a ruling by the country's constitutional court which could mean the forcing of new elections. France 24's Nathalie Gillet and Mark Thompson report.

12/06/2013 - GERMANY

Libyan refugees rejected by Italy set up camp in Hamburg

When the Libyan war broke out two years ago, thousands fled the country in search of security and employment. Many made their way to the island of Lampedusa in Italy, but the Italian authorities closed reception facilities, and gave the migrants a few hundred euros to leave. Now hundreds of Africans from Togo, Ghana and the Ivory Coast have set up camp in Hamburg. Our correspondents spoke to some who have taken up quarters in a church.