Red Cross humanitarian aid

Having seen the article entitled "MP demands action over migrants' plight" (May 8), as director general of the Malta Red Cross Society, my initial reaction was to completely ignore this misplaced article dealing with the difficulties encountered by migrants.

With respect to the public, however, and without infringing ethical considerations which Joe Abela, MP, could be seen to be oblivious of (even migrants deserve to be mentioned discreetly and with respect), the Malta Red Cross can volunteer some information regarding its humanitarian aid vis- à-vis asylum-seekers over the past 14 months.

Such asylum-seekers are assisted by Malta Red Cross personnel, operating in collaboration with local authorities, the minute they touch land. Basic needs are immediately catered for. Such needs include medical assistance, food and clothing. Red Cross personnel are also present to validate emotional needs.

These dedicated volunteers and staff work on acquainting themselves with migrants on an individual basis. They visit the camps regularly, offering assistance to trace relatives both in the native country and elsewhere. This is done through the International Red Cross and the Red Crescent Movement.

Volunteer doctors of the Malta Red Cross have since October visited the camps, offering their services at least twice weekly in each camp. A dentist working voluntarily with the MRC is also available. Some migrants might be referred to the health centres in case of need. The Health Department ensures an adequate supply of medicinals to compliment the doctors' interventions.

The Malta Red Cross, together with another NGO namely the Jesuit Refugee Commission, offers constant and continuous legal advice and representation in favour of the migrants in making their case presentation to obtain refugee status.

These two entities also advocate, on behalf of the migrants, with the local authorities in order to ensure the best possible conditions on their behalf. Admittedly frustration levels can be high in the latter instance as volunteers and staff do not always obtain the results they would aim for.

Regarding admission of refugee children in local schools, the Malta Red Cross Society has worked consistently from the very beginning of the migrants' crisis. Such works include identifying eligible children who, upon being issued with a clean bill of health from the Health Department, are assisted to integrate in educational communities. This service is further implemented by regular visits by Malta Red Cross personnel to the schools catering for these children. Informative meetings are held both with teachers and parents, ironing out any queries encountered.

I trust the information made available would increase the awareness of the input of the Malta Red Cross and other NGOs in the migrants' plight. It is not the general policy of the International Red Cross and the Red Crescent Movement to divulge such information and our energies and limited resources have always been directed towards assisting the vulnerable rather than reaping the glory of such interventions. We are bound by professional confidentiality and will not divulge specific information simply for sensationalism.

The Malta Red Cross is constantly working on behalf of the asylum seekers with the authorities concerned with the sole intention of improving their situation. However, in this particular instance, where the public was presented with specific misinformation, I was bound to inform the public of the society's intervention in this sector.