While we recognize the challenges of dealing with very large and mixed migration flows, the relevant authorities must ensure that previous instances of asylum-seekers' rights being abused are not repeated.On a positive note, at least the Amnesty report notes (disapprovingly) the Italian Government’s emergency measures to contain the situation. Italy's Minister of Foreign Affairs has declared that Italian coastal patrols will be bolstered, as will mechanisms “that until a month ago were able to reduce irregular/clandestine migration to zero”. Good luck to the Italians. It sounds like they’ve been doing a good job recently.
The relevant authorities must ensure that all those seeking asylum should be able to access territory and fair, satisfactory asylum procedures and be informed of their rights.
No one should be forcibly expelled to a place where they face serious human rights abuses, or without adequate consideration of their circumstances and needs for protection. Any decision to detain a person should be considered individually.
Below is footage of this Tunisian human wave that is swamping this Italian island, presaging what could be a Camp of the Saints scenario for Europe if it is not dealt with appropriately (click here for background and details). Unfortunately, the Tunisians have responded angrily to the Italian request to send police into the country to prevent this exodus of putative asylum seekers. The reporter claims that there are many 'political refugees' amongst their number. If this is so, why are they fleeing a so-called new democracy? All should be returned to Tunisia immediately.
How difficult is it to sink an island?
ReplyDeleteLampedusa or Britain?
ReplyDeleteGood question, but Lampedusa.
ReplyDeleteHmm. Tricky. I suppose that would depend upon the thickness and density of the crust of which Lampedusa is a part, the weight of humans pressing down upon it and the surface area of the island. At a guess, you could probably pile the entire population of Tunisia (circa 10.5 million) onto it and it would still stand proud of the waterline. An experiment that I'd not recommend be put to the test.
ReplyDelete