UNHCR delegation visits Peace Lab

An UNHCR delegation from Geneva and Rome visited the Peace Lab in Ħal Far to hear its views on the present situation of asylum seekers in Malta.

The delegation, led by Walter Irvine, met Fr Dionysius Mintoff, director, and Joe Abela co-ordinator of the Peace Lab and some 35 immigrants who reside at the Peace Lab's quarters.

Fr Mintoff said that although the government is sparing no effort to help these youths to secure an independent future, many difficulties are cropping up each day especially for the rejected cases.

"At the moment there is no repatriation policy in Malta; however, it will come sometime in the future. The problems in Africa are too big and complicated to address here but it has to be realised that this situation will not go away.

Simply sending someone back to the same circumstances means that they will likely try again. They could end up in Malta a second or third time," Fr MIntoff said.

He explained that rejected asylum seekers are given permission to remain in Malta for three months at a time. They are provided with accommodation at an open centre and can obtain legal employment. They are also free to leave the open centre and find accommodation elsewhere.

"Thought should be given to equipping rejected people with skills relevant to their home situation thereby encouraging them to stay and build a life for themselves and their families," he added.

Before leaving, Mr Irvine wrote a short message to the Peace Lab director and residents.

The message read: "Thanks for your hospitality. Another visit to the Peace lab which never changes!

"The wonderful gardens, the welcoming atmosphere and the many refugees who have obtained strong support.

"Always grateful to call on Fr Mintoff and to get a little of the magic and dynamism of your centere and home".

The other delegation members from the UNHCR Geneva Office were Udo Janz, deputy director, European Bureau, and George Okoth-Obbo, director of International Protection Services.