UNHCR to Monitor Controversial Italy-Albania Migrant Deal

The UN refugee agency has agreed to monitor the first three months of a contentious deal between Italy and Albania to process migrants' asylum requests at Albanian holding centres. Despite not being a party to the deal, UNHCR aims to ensure migrant rights and adherence to international standards.

The UN refugee agency has decided to monitor the initial three months of a controversial deal between Italy and Albania aimed at processing some migrants' asylum requests at Albanian detention centres.

Despite not being a signatory to the agreement and maintaining reservations, UNHCR announced its involvement to help safeguard the rights of those affected.

The deal, which faces criticism from human rights groups, calls for Albania to house up to 3,000 migrants while Italy expedites their asylum claims. UNHCR's mission will be independently funded.

(With inputs from agencies.)