NGOs urge states to act ‘urgently’, ‘decisively’ at migration summit

A number of NGOs has urged the states participating in the Valletta summit on migration “to act decisively and urgently so that people will no longer die in their desperate search for protection in Europe.”

A joint statement was issued earlier today by the aditus foundation, the foundation for shelter and support of migrants, the Integra foundation, the Jesuit refugee service (Malta), KOPIN, the Malta Emigrants’ commission, the migrant’s network for equality, the organisation for friendship in diversity, the peace lab, the people for change foundation, and SOS Malta.

“The vast majority of refugees entering Europe through the sea routes across the Mediterranean are Syrians, Eritreans, Afghans and Somalis – people with a strong prima facie claim to protection,” the statement reads.

It adds that others are seeking the opportunity to live with dignity, which they absolutely cannot do in their home country.

“All resort to travelling irregularly because it is impossible for them to gain legal admission into Europe, whether it is to seek protection, find employment or access education.”

The NGOs reminded that some 6,892 men, women and children have died in the Mediterranean during their journey to Europe, since October 2013.

“The summit, convened by the European Council in response to the rising numbers of refugees and migrants arriving in Europe irregularly, is an opportunity to go beyond words to concrete action,” they add, stressing that so far EU member states responses have been “more of the same”, with an emphasis on strengthening border control, improving existing mechanisms for returning migrants who do not qualify for protection, and increasing support for countries hosting large numbers of refugees outside Europe.

"So far no real steps have been taken to increase the avenues for legal migration or to create safe and legal ways for people to reach a place where they can obtain protection – so refugees are forced to entrust themselves into the hands of smugglers and risk their lives. Resettlement pledges remain at best, a token compared to the number of refugees being hosted in countries outside the EU.”

The NGOs added that the needs of refugees and migrants are hardly taken into account and that their voices are completely unheard.

“Refugees are looking for protection, which is about more than mere survival – it is about the possibility to belong to a community once more and to build life anew.”

The NGOs urged states to allow asylum seekers to access protection safely and legally, through measures such as broadening existing rules so they can be reunited with their families, granting humanitarian visas and introducing mandatory and realistic quotas of resettlement.

They added that the states should ensure that asylum seekers are received in conditions of dignity and that refugees are able to truly enjoy their rights.

“We urge states to guarantee that those who do not qualify for asylum are treated with respect and that any returns are carried out in full respect for the principle of non-refoulement, in conditions of safety and dignity.