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Important news from EUAA and the world of COI

Our approach to COI news

The News section aims to inform users about recent COI publications or upcoming workshops/conferences. EUAA selects information provided in the News section according to its relevance to the COI and asylum fields. EUAA welcomes suggestions to insert a particular news (event, publication).

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03 November 2025

Nigeria: EUAA reports show escalating banditry-related violence, amid overlapping crises

The EUAA has just published two Country-of-Origin Information (COI) reports on Nigeria. The 'Country Focus' report provides key information on Nigeria's state structures, demographics, significant political developments and the human rights treatment of specific group profiles. The 'Security Situation' report offers an overview of long-standing security challenges and major conflicts, including a breakdown by 36 states and Federal Capital Territory. These COI reports will inform the upcoming update of EUAA Country Guidance on Nigeria.

Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, continues to grapple with an extraordinary wave of overlapping crises, including widespread insecurity and significant social and economic challenges. Although the insurgency led by Boko Haram and affiliated Islamist armed groups had long been regarded as the primary threat to the country's stability, by early 2024, violence stemming from banditry had become more deadly and widespread.

Clashes between herders and farmers over livelihoods, which persisted in the North-Central zone and other parts of the country, further saw a resurgence in the first half of 2025. Similarly, increasing criminality was reported in the Niger Delta, together with activity by violent gangs in the South-South and South-West. There was continued Biafran secessionist activity in the South-East, with clashes between pro-Biafran armed groups and Nigerian security forces. These manifold security issues have left the country's military and police forces overstretched.

Nigeria also continues to face significant human rights challenges. Despite constitutional safeguards, ongoing abuses highlight systemic failures in rights protection. Curbs on freedom of expression, poor access to justice, insecurity, and discrimination against certain groups including women and LGBTIQ individuals, all remain key issues. Journalists covering politically sensitive topics are frequently targeted with defamation laws and arrest. Security forces have continued to use excessive force against protesters, resulting in casualties. Various sources also report that the Nigerian army has committed abuses, including extrajudicial killings and torture, particularly during operations against insurgent groups in the North and separatist movements in the South-East.

In recent years, the Nigerian authorities have made several efforts to tackle trafficking in human beings, however the phenomenon remains a persistent and serious humanitarian concern in the country.

Rising living costs, combined with human-made and natural disasters, have impacted millions of Nigerians, exacerbating food insecurity, displacement and limiting access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and sanitation. By the end of 2024, about 50 % of Nigerians were living below the poverty line.

​International protection situation for Nigerian nationals

Between January 2024 and August 2025, Nigerians lodged nearly 26 000 applications for international protection in the EU. Monthly applications peaked in April 2024 (2 000), when Nigerians lodged the most applications since May 2019, but then followed a predominantly downward trend, reaching the least applications in August 2025 (910) since May 2020. In fact, compared to the previous 20 months, Nigerian applications decreased slightly in the EU+. Around 72 % of all Nigerians were first-time applicants and there were few self-claimed unaccompanied minors. The main receiving country for Nigerians was Italy, followed by Ireland, France and Germany.

During these 20 months, EU+ countries issued approximately 26 000 decisions at first instance on Nigerian applications, with 12% of the decisions granting refugee status and subsidiary protection. At the end of August 2025, there were 7 600 cases pending at first instance, down by nearly half compared to January 2024. 

Background

The EUAA regularly updates its Country of Origin Information reports, which aim to provide accurate and reliable up-to-date information on third countries to support EU+ national asylum and migration authorities involved in migration and international protection procedures.

Any further information may be obtained from the European Union Agency for Asylum's Press Office at the following email addresses:


  • Nigeria

08 October 2025

Iraq: Despite decreased violence, challenges to stability persist

​

The EUAA has just published a Country-of-Origin Information (COI) report on Iraq, which provides an update on the security situation and reviews the latest developments regarding the treatment of selected profiles. Despite a decrease in violence, the continued presence of ISIL in parts of the country, sporadic military strikes by Türkiye in northern Iraq as well tribal violence in the south continue contributing to overall instability.

The European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) has just published an updated Country of Origin Information report on Iraq. It provides an update on the EUAA's previous report of May 2024, including in terms of the security situation, and reviews the latest developments regarding the treatment of selected profiles by State and non-State actors.

Over the last year, and despite a continued decline in attacks, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) has remained active in several governorates (Anbar, Baghdad, Diyala, Kirkuk, Ninewa, Salah Al-Din), primarily targeting security forces through asymmetric operations. Türkiye continued its military campaign against the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in the north of the country, by carrying out air and drone strikes, as well as ground operations. Following the PKK's unilateral ceasefire and announcement of dissolution in May 2025, Turkish strikes peaked in June (notably in Duhok's Amedi district) before sharply decreasing in July, although new ground operations were launched in Zakho's Batifa district.

Tribal violence remained a security concern especially in southern Iraq, while family disputes frequently turned violent in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI). Iran-backed militias were widely suspected in strikes against oil fields in the region. Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) faced major challenges in accessing housing, basic services and documentation, limiting opportunities in education and healthcare. Many IDPs remained unwilling to return due to insecurity and insufficient reconstruction.

The report highlights persistent human rights concerns, including lack of accountability for serious crimes, ongoing discrimination and harassment of women, children, LGBTIQ+ individuals, and civil society actors. Individuals with perceived ISIL affiliation – including children – continued to face prosecution, detention and difficulties accessing civil documentation. Reports of torture, ill-treatment, and enforced disappearances persisted. A recent amendment to the Personal Status Law granted Shia religious authorities expanded control over family matters, raising concerns about child marriage, polygamy and restrictions on women's rights.

EU Asylum situation for Iraqi nationals

Between March and June 2025, Iraqi applications across EU+ countries dropped below a thousand per month, a level unseen since mid-2020 though the number rose to just over 1 000 in July 2025.[1] In general, the number of asylum applications by Iraqi nationals has been on a downward trend since September 2023.

The decline in applications, coupled with an increase in the number of first instance decisions issued to Iraqis resulted in a lower backlog. At the end of July 2025, some 14 000 Iraqi cases were pending at first instance in the EU+.[2] Over three fifths of them were pending in Germany and the Netherlands. Between January – July 2025, the first instance recognition rate for Iraqi applications in the EU+ stood at 22 %.

​Background

The EUAA regularly updates its Country-of-Origin Information reports, which aim to provide accurate and reliable up-to-date information on third countries to support EU+ asylum and migration authorities in reaching accurate and fair decisions in asylum procedures, as well as to support national policymaking.

Any further information may be obtained from the European Union Agency for Asylum's Press Office at the following email addresses:



[1] Data for July 2025 were missing for Czechia and Portugal.

[2] Data for July 2025 were missing for Czechia, Italy and Portugal, for which data for earlier months were used.


  • Iraq

04 August 2025

Bangladesh: Situation update one year after the students’ protests

​The newly published Country of Origin Information (COI) report on Bangladesh​ provides information on the political context and human rights situation in the country, with a particular focus on the aftermath of the student protests of July – August 2024 that led to a change of government and policies. 


The current political context in Bangladesh stems from student protests in July-August 2024, triggered by the reinstatement of a civil service quota system.  Following a violent crackdown by security forces, the protests escalated into a nationwide movement. With growing public support, the protests forced then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to flee to India and led to the resignation of her government after 15 years in power.  

A new interim government, led by the Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, has been tasked with leading the country until the next election which is foreseen to take place in the first half of 2026.  

The interim government is trying to forge consensus among political parties on a reform plan ahead of the election, aimed at restoring democratic institutions. Reforms have not yet been implemented, but the interim government has initiated accountability efforts for abuse committed by State actors under the former government, inter alia by signing the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (CED) and setting up an inquiry commission to investigate enforced disappearances under the former government.  

The interim government has however been facing challenges with a deteriorating law-and-order situation, marked by increasing mob violence and incidents of violence against women and girls. Retaliatory violence has also been targeting supporters of the former government. The Hindu community has been experiencing several attacks with intersecting motives but often based on a perceived affiliation with the former government. 
 

Italy remains the main receiving country for Bangladeshi asylum seekers 


EUAA’s asylum statistics show that asylum applications by Bangladeshi nationals reached an all-time high in March 2024, with 4 300 applications. After that, asylum applications fell slightly in the second half of the year and have remained largely stable between October 2024 and May 2025. Italy was the main receiving EU+ country, with over three quarters of all Bangladeshi applications being lodged there between January and May 2025. 

Around 16 000 first instance decisions have been issued to Bangladeshi nationals in 2025 so far. Three quarters of the decisions in 2025 were issued by Italy, and the overall recognition rate was slightly below 3 %, in line with the previous periods. After reaching an all-time high in January 2025 (48 000), the number of cases pending at first instance has fluctuated. At the end of May 2025, over three quarters of them had been pending for more than six months; 9 out of 10 of which, were in Italy. 

Background 


The EUAA regularly updates its Country of Origin information reports, which aim to provide accurate and reliable up-to-date information on third countries to support EU+ national asylum and migration authorities involved in migration and international protection procedures. 

The report was prepared in accordance with the EUAA COI Report Methodology and was drafted by EUAA COI Sector’s researchers. The report was reviewed by several COI Units in EU+ countries. This information is a crucial component when assessing individual protection needs. 

Read the Country-of-Origin Information report here: 


  • Bangladesh

08 July 2025

EUAA COI report highlights challenging transition in post-Assad Syria

The EUAA has just published a Country of Origin Information (COI) report on Syria. The report provides an update on the situation in Syria following the ouster of Bashar Al-Assad, with a focus on developments between March and May 2025. It examines the security and socio-economic situation in the country and reviews the latest political and human rights developments, including the treatment of specific population groups.​

Following the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad’s government, Ahmed Al-Sharaa, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) leader was appointed Syria’s interim President. He signed a constitutional declaration covering a five-year transitional period until a permanent constitution and elections are established. The declaration introduced a strong presidential system and designated Islamic jurisprudence as the main source of legislation. In March 2025, a new transitional government was formed, composed of ministers from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds, though largely dominated by figures with close ties to HTS.

Syria’s security landscape remains fragmented, with numerous armed groups operating with varying degrees of autonomy, despite the caretaker authorities’ efforts to integrate all armed groups into the Syrian government’s army. Notably, negotiations were still ongoing regarding the implementation of a March agreement between the caretaker authorities and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) - a Kurdish-led group controlling most of northeastern Syria’s—aimed at integrating the SDF’s civilian and military structures into Syria’s state institutions. 

The security situation remains volatile, with the new authorities struggling to assert full control in certain areas of the country. Incidents of lawlessness, criminality and retaliatory violence are reported to be prevalent in central and western Syria. Large-scale sectarian violence targeting Alawite communities in the coastal areas and Druze communities in southern Syria was reported between March – May 2025. Israel has also continued to launch airstrikes on military facilities and conduct military incursions into southern Syria. 

Between March and May 2025, together with the United States of America, the European Union took steps to aid in the economic recovery of the country by lifting almost all Assad-era sanctions​. However, according to United Nations sources, 90 % of the population are living in poverty and 16.5 million require humanitarian assistance. Although returns from abroad, as well as of internally displaced persons, increased following Assad’s removal, key challenges to sustainable returns included worsening economic conditions, unemployment, limited access to basic services and widespread infrastructure destruction.
 

EU Asylum situation for Syrian nationals


Syrian asylum applications have been on a downward trend since November 2024, with a sharp drop in December reflecting the changed circumstances following the fall of the Assad regime, but have been relatively stable since March. In May 2025, Syrians lodged just under 3 100 applications. Between December 2024 and May 2025 Syrian applications (31 000) decreased by over three fifths compared to the previous six months. The main EU+ receiving countries were Germany, Greece and Austria.

Since December 2024 most EU+ countries have suspended (fully or partially) decision making on Syrian cases, which led to a notable drop in first instance decisions: from a monthly average of 12 000 over the preceding six months to 4 200 in December, falling further in January. Since then, the numbers have fluctuated, averaging around 2 600 between March and May 2025. As a result, the number of pending first instance cases were high, standing at 111 000 at the end of May. 

​Background


This report was prepared in accordance with the EUAA COI Report Methodology, with both drafting and review involving several COI units in EU+ countries. This information is a crucial component when assessing individual protection needs and, separately, developing Country Guidance. The common analysis on Syria as a Country of Origin, agreed with Member States’ experts, enables the Agency to drive convergence in national asylum practices. 

Read the Country-of-Origin Information report here:


  • Syrian Arab Republic

26 May 2025

Somalia: EUAA reports show rising insecurity and political fragmentation in the country

The EUAA has just published two Country-of-Origin Information (COI) reports on the security situation and on the socio-economic conditions in Somalia. These come as Al-Shabaab has tightened its grip on Mogadishu. Paired with broader instability and political fragmentation in the country, the reports show that the civilian population continues to bear the brunt of a chronic and multi-layered armed conflict.

At the end of March 2025, Al-Shabaab, the armed Islamist group and al-Qaeda affiliate that has been wrestling for power and territorial control with the Federal Government of Somalia for almost two decades, began to tighten its grip on the capital – Mogadishu. Given the evolving context in Somalia, the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) has now published a comprehensive COI update on the country.

In its first report, Somalia: Security Situation (2025), the EUAA estimates that between April 2023 and March 2025 over 75 % and 80 % of the security incidents and estimated fatalities[1], respectively, can be linked to the Al-Sh​​abaab/anti-Al-Shabaab conflict. It also finds that other major sources of insecurity in Somalia include intra- and inter-clan rivalries, a parallel ISIS/anti-ISIS conflict, as well as competing territorial and political projects across the country.

In its second report, Somalia: Country Focus (2025), the EUAA reports on the key profiles relevant to international protection and provides updated socio-economic indicators. Therein, the Agency notes that certain groups in Somali society must navigate a challenging environment characterised by abuse, targeting and various forms of punishment.

In Somalia, adults and children may be forcibly recruited by the various armed forces, and women and girls are exposed to Gender-based Violence (GBV) and / or Female Genital Mutilation or Cutting (FGM/C). In addition, some individuals suffer from corporal punishment for contravening religious laws. Journalists are restricted in their freedom and exposed to safety concerns. LGBTIQ+ persons are in constant hiding, therefore remaining highly invisible, and regional returnees often go through consecutive onward displacements.

International protection situation for Somali nationals

Between April 2023 and March 2025, Somali nationals lodged nearly 38 000 applications for international protection in the EU+, a slight increase (+8 %) compared to the 2 years prior. Germany (12 000) continued to receive most Somali applications in the EU+, followed by France (5 400), Greece (4 300), the Netherlands (2 600) and Ireland (2 600).

​Between April 2023 and March 2025, EU+ countries issued approximately 32 000 decisions at first instance on Somali applications, and the EU+ recognition rate stood at 59 %. At the end of March 2025, there were about 16 000 cases pending at first instance.

Background

The EUAA regularly updates its Country-of-Origin Information reports, which aim to provide accurate and reliable up-to-date information on third countries to support EU+ national asylum and migration authorities involved in migration and international protection procedures.

Any further information may be obtained from the European Union Agency for Asylum's Press Office at the following email addresses:

[1] Based on data collected from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (ACLED) database.

  • Somalia