Migrants from North Africa
EU Must Protect the Rights of All Migrants Arriving from North Africa
(JRS Europe, Brussels, 23 February 2011) – In the wake of upheaval that has prompted thousands of Tunisians and others to cross the Mediterranean, JRS Europe calls on the EU and its member states to respect and uphold the rights of all migrants who arrive on European shores.
JRS Europe has urged EU member states to set up a mechanism to receive migrants who arrive at the southern borders. One possibility would be to relocate persons needing protection to other member states, while temporarily suspending Dublin II transfers of asylum seekers to Italy and Malta. Another possibility would be to activate the EU “Mass Influx Directive” (Directive 2001/55/EC) so as to grant temporary protection and reception conditions to arriving persons.
In a letter to the Hungarian Presidency of the EU, JRS Europe insists that migrants should not be turned away at sea, and that persons who need protection be given access to an asylum procedure. “Nobody should be automatically detained or in any other way deprived of his or her liberty.
“Reception conditions and details of asylum procedures must meet at least the minimum standards set out in relevant EU law.”
In a press statement, Centro Astalli (JRS Italy) called on the Italian government to “assume its responsibilities towards their neighbours who are experiencing an urgent humanitarian crisis.”
JRS Italy Media Statement
Landings From Tunisia: A Test For The Civilization In Our Country
The severe crisis in the Maghreb is leading to a mass exodus to Italy, in particular from Tunisia. Thousands of people are arriving on Italian shores, mainly young Tunisians between 16 and 25. A real exodus that unfortunately has already claimed its first victims. So far the death toll is 33 refugees drowned in the waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
"We are facing with the history of the Mediterranean countries close to us turning a new page, and Italy must assume its responsibilities towards their neighbours who are experiencing a situation of real humanitarian crisis," says Fr. Giovanni La Manna (President of Centro Astalli).
"There is much to do on each level, first of all ensuring the reception and respect for the rights of migrants who are continuously arriving on our shores."
The legal instrument for their protection exists: JRS Italy (Centro Astalli) calls on the Italian government to fully apply the EU Directive 2001/55/EC on the granting of temporary protection in the event of a massive influx of displaced persons and the cooperation within the Community, ratified by Italy (legislative decree n.85 of 2003).
Father La Manna concludes: "The welcoming of migrants from Tunisia is yet another challenge to civilization that our country is facing: Italy is obliged to do everything in order committed to ensure that the rights and dignity of these people are respected."
