Action plan needed

Illegal and unregulated immigration is a problem no one wants in Malta. We are currently faced with tough decisions that have to be taken in a manner which befits a modern, democratic country that prides itself on respecting human rights.

The recent debate in Parliament and the general state of play indicate that most parties are willing to work hand in hand and come up with realistic solutions.

Unfortunately, Malta's position in the Mediterranean puts us at the crossroads of a massive migratory flow which we have to deal with, whether we like it or not.

Proposals of the far right, such as the refusal of assistance at sea, not only go against international law but also fall flat when we see the humane reality of our Armed Forces personnel willingly risking life and limb to rescue hundreds of people in distress.

Nevertheless, there are constraints that we face as a small island. We must uphold the rule of law and take a humanitarian approach to the problem. But then, immigrants who break the law should face the full brunt of the law like all Maltese citizens living in the country, while those who clearly have no reason to ask for asylum or humanitarian protection, like the recent Tunisian and Egyptian immigrants, should be repatriated immediately.

There needs to be a political action plan on a European level, with a frank exchange of views with our European counterparts and a united and concerted effort to put into practice effective solidarity and assistance.

In the short term, Malta must keep putting pressure on the EU to provide greater funding to be able to bring about decent living conditions at detention and open centres.

The recent visit by European Commissioner Jacques Barrot has been an eye-opener for the Commission, but this must be followed up with greater political action, especially through the actions of MEPs.

The European Greens were the first to demand responsibility sharing by all 27 countries in the EU. Jean Lambert had highlighted in her parliamentary report the need for the Dublin regulations to be revised in order to allow for the reallocation in other countries of migrants landing in a small territory like Malta and requesting asylum status.

This concept of responsibility/burden sharing took a further step forward last Monday, with all Greens voting for the elimination of the 'voluntary' aspect of this responsibility sharing in the Civil Liberties Committee.

We need to ensure that the international rule of law is always upheld. This especially in the wake of the preposterous statements made by Italian Home Affairs Minister Roberto Maroni demanding that all migrants picked up between Libya, Lampedusa and Malta be sent to our island and not to the nearest safe port, as stipulated by international law.

At the same time, continuous pressure has to be applied to ensure that the Frontex mission gets back on track and proceeds in an effective manner.

The wider picture then concerns our policies with states beyond our European frontiers. Malta should insist with the EU to exert much stronger action on Libya to be tougher with illegal traffickers and to start agreeing to take back boats coming from Libya.

Spain has managed to reduce its influx by 75 per cent through agreements with west African countries, such as Senegal and Mali; something that Malta has not yet reached with Libya.

Libya has also refused to give Frontex permission to conduct surveillance close to its shoreline, while at the same time having been granted €20 million by the EU to help strengthen its border controls.

It is not only Malta that has to enter into an agreement with Libya, but also the EU, and this can be done through the actions of MEPs who understand the nature of this problem and address it realistically through politics, diplomacy and frank talk.

We need to work within European structures, to enhance inter-state solidarity while at the same time putting our country first. Let's get down to doing this.

Prof. Cassola is Alternattiva Demokratika chairman.

arnoldcassola@gmail.com