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The recent upsurge in irregular immigrants departing from Libya trying to reach European shores calls into question a number of issues.
Firstly, it is clear that most of the emigration is coming from Libya. Libya is clearly doing little or next to nothing to stop illegal immigration. There is absolutely no political will on the part of Libya to control the problem. Gangs are well organised and are running lucratively oiled machines, trading in illegal trafficking. Equally evident is that the major European powers that are most reluctant to take on Libya indulge in more than just publicly condemning such trafficking. It is hardly a priority for Europe and certainly of little concern for European countries that do not border the Mediterranean. Illegal immigration is yet to be the prime focus of a European summit meeting. This is shocking especially in view of the many deaths that have taken place. This could all change if Libya had the political will to patrol its Mediterranean coast. It is its responsibility to look after migrants found in its search and rescue zone. Its reluctance to do so in no way exculpates the European powers from their responsibility to ensure that Libya abides by its global obligations. Europe however clearly does not want to upset Libya fearing Libyan commercial retaliation. The truth is that the European powers have vast commercial interests in Libya and in no way want these interests undermined. Europe has clearly put trade before human lives. This is an indictment on Europe, the bulwark of human dignity and life.
Secondly, our country certainly does not have the resources or the space to house the large numbers desperately landing on our shores. Malta has been let down by the EU border control agency that for years has been promising effective border control. Reconnaissance missions have been sent to Libya by Frontex yet the situation remains far from under control. Next to little progress has been made.
Thirdly, the bad press Malta has been receiving does not derive from any conspiracy theories against Malta. It is the result of an incapacity at the highest of quarters to manage information professionally. This independently of the direct result of Malta’s tendency to delay or refrain from taking immediate rescue action in favour of these desperate immigrants. It is unconvincing that in the face of death Malta gets lost in legalistic argumentation. Once these people are at their moment of truth, they must be helped forthwith and if Malta is the closest area of support than immediate support should be shown and questions asked only after their lives have been saved. This is what solidarity is all about. It is surprising that Malta a country whose citizens throughout the years have migrated to foreign countries seeking a better way of life has managed to create the perception of a closed fortress. The unholy alliance between both political parties not to place illegal immigration on the political agenda is further evidence of the debasing of local politics where votes are being given a greater value than human life. It is absolutely shameful.
Fourthly, the economic value of immigration is rarely given any importance at all. It has been amply demonstrated that many countries have in fact benefited substantially from the influx of foreign labour. All too often, especially in the richer European democracies, immigrants are all too willing to do jobs which the local population feels ever so unwilling to do. As a consequence there is immediate employment available for these immigrants. A number of them also have a specialised knowledge and could be put to immediate good community use rather than allowing them to rot in a closed environment for up to 18 months.
Fifthly, the European Commission needs to look into the workings of Frontex which is doing little to save lives. Illegal immigration in the Mediterranean needs to be handled professionally with the greatest of attention given to life saving. The EU members need to show a greater sense of solidarity and cooperation in such dire consequences. What has become of the promised patrols?
Sixthly, and most importantly, rules must be drawn up which are clear and unequivocal on who should take migrants rescued at sea. One may say that loose maritime regulations already exist and that in the face of death it is the responsibility of every captain and state to intervene. The way forward is not to simply carry on blaming one another or, as in this case, simply pointing fingers at Libya. We realise only too well that Libya, regretfully, will not budge. We simply cannot afford to await a response from Libya when it will not be forthcoming. Europe needs to draw up rules and regulations in the full knowledge that Libya will not cooperate. This must be done with urgency and out of full respect to the plight of these desperate migrants who are seeking a better life. At the heart of the matter is the plight of Africa. Reducing the trips of death is also a matter of making Africa a better place to live in. |
