Eritreans plead for help for asylum seekers stranded in Libya
Video: Mark Zammit Cordina
Some 100 members of the Eritrean community in Malta held a demonstration in Valletta this afternoon where they called on Malta and the international community to help evacuate asylum seekers stranded in Libya.
They said the Eritreans could not return to their country because they would be prosecuted, and they were not part of the international evacuation effort and had thus been stranded, without protection, in Libya. Some were in danger of being shot, being mistaken for Gaddafi's mercenaries.
The demonstration was attended by some 100 persons, who said there are some 2,000 Eritreans in Tripoli and others all over Libya.
They carried placards which read "Do not let asylum seekers die" and "Evacuate and Protect".
They also read an open letter which they intend to present to the Maltese government, urging it to help the stranded asylum seekers, for humanitarian reasons.
"Asylum seekers in Libya have long faced blatant violations of their human rights. Since the unrest in Libya started, matters have escalated further. Our brothers and sisters have told us of atrocious racist violence they are suffering in at the hands of anti-government protesters, especially because of reports that the mercenaries engaged by Gaddafi are sub-Saharan Africans.
"There are reports that sub-Saharan Africans are being indiscriminately stabbed and killed with knives and machetes in the city of Benghazi. We have information that at least two Eritreans were killed, while several others were stabbed and injured," the letter says.
In Tripoli, they said that 16 Eritreans were missing.
"We appeal to you: please do not forget these and other asylum seekers who are stranded in Libya without any state to protect them. They are either stuck in prisons and detention centres or hiding in their homes, their lives are at risk. Apart from the fear of attack, they are suffering hunger and thirst as food and other supplies run short."
They commended the Maltese government for its assistance to evacuate foreign nationals from Libya and called on it to accept to shelter some of the asylum seekers, particularly those who have spouses or relatives in Malta.
Also taking part in the demonstration were the Jesuit Refugee Service, Alternattiva and Graffitti.
Popular Stories
Update 3: Woman found dead in car,...
Updated: Woman dies in car crash
Carm Mifsud Bonnici resigns after...
Part of Dwejra 'Azure window' collapses
The end of the bar that ‘never closed’
Bundy does not know whether to...
Updated - Jason Micallef demands...
This WAS the night - Kurt makes it...
'No need for early election if PM's...
In Discussion
Updated - Jason Micallef demands...
Gozo tunnel could take 5-7 years to...
CABS remote controlled aircraft shot...
Carm Mifsud Bonnici resigns after...
Joseph Calleja condemns portrayal of...
Updated: Labour would give...
CABS drone shot down
Second group of migrants arrives
Adrian Vassallo in scathing...
56 Comments
Post comment
Please sign in or create your Account to post comments.
DGalea
Mar 4th 2011, 15:40
I think that the Eritrean community here were simply using the current international media focus on Malta to highlight the plight of their countrymen stuck in Libja ,rather then expecting Malta to solve the problem on her own.
Corinne Vella
Mar 4th 2011, 09:34
@ J Camilleri
90% of immigrants arriving in the EU in 2010 entered through Greece, not Malta or Italy.
Raymond Sammut
Mar 5th 2011, 14:08
Serves the Greek government right for not supporting burden sharing. 90% can hardly be regarded as sharing.
Corinne Vella
Mar 5th 2011, 18:41
Raymond Sammut: Given the situation in Greece, 'burdern sharing' would be to its advantage.
R. Azzopardi
Mar 4th 2011, 07:53
From the comments I read here it seems that in order to be christian a person or a country should accept every Cikku u Peppu left right and centre. It seems that in order to be christian the people of malta should forget their rights and the fact that this is our homeland just because the Cikku and Peppu want us to do what they want. It seems that to be christian a person should leave whoever comes around to slap him in the face without protesting. Come on, don't come with the crap of christianity here whenever suits you best. This a political and logical situation.
I hope that these christians here accusing other maltese of racism don't turn their face around if they see violence in a street just not to enter in the situation. Because I am amazed that as reported by this paper some days ago a woman got beaten in the street by her ex partner and no one heard anything (all ajbierek!!!), not even an anonymous call to the police.
The presence of these Eritreans and the possibility of protesting has already shown our christianity so now what's enough is enough.
Corinne Vella
Mar 4th 2011, 11:28
The presence of Eritreans and the possibility of protesting shows that Malta recognises human rights. It doesn't follow that all Maltese do.
John Sammut
Mar 3rd 2011, 23:32
What exactly is it they want us to do? Send ships and planes to bring tens of thousands of Eritreans stranded in Libya to Malta? Do they not realize that the size of our island can barley sustain it's current population? In my opinion they should try to attract the attention of a larger nation, I am sure the Maltese authorities would be more than glad to help evacuate these people if they were to be sent to OTHER countries instead of just staying here...
Corinne Vella
Mar 4th 2011, 11:29
The appeal is to the INTERNATIONAL community, not just the Maltese government.
joe vella
Mar 3rd 2011, 23:13
iam very sory what is happaning in libya secondy i would like to say eritrreans who are in libya to contact iom or unhcr so they wil get shelter in tunisian border as other communities did the people who are doing demostration in malta i will say demonstration can,t make sence malta can,t take 2000 Eritrean asylum seekers because there are more than 5000 asylum seekers in malta ,malta has its own immigration eritreans forget jrs and malta is full up so tel your people to go egypt or tunisia and foget malta
Corinne Vella
Mar 5th 2011, 10:21
The UNHCR does not have an office in Libya.
Sarah Mifsud
Mar 3rd 2011, 22:44
I think it is fair that people air their concern about those they love or care about stuck in a dangerous situation. I get the feeling that no one else will think about those forgotten people otherwise. As a Maltese person I support this initiative and hope that help will be given to all those stuck in Tripoli, even if they have no government to support them.
j.camenzuli
Mar 3rd 2011, 20:54
@JS Borg: You can up your tax payment as much as you like. It seems that the way you are talking you can afforded. Others can't. Anyway, with all your good deeds with illegal immigrants doesn't mean you are going to heaven
Robert Callus
Mar 3rd 2011, 20:46
In a country with a Christian majority and pro-life absolute majority! These people are talking about friends and relatives who are being butchered for crimes they did not commit. Then you read the comments here - a word of support? compassion? Yes, sure!
Hypocrites!
Bonello David
Mar 3rd 2011, 20:37
Malta cannot afford to take more illegal immigrants, like these Eritreans who came here and stayed. So the ones we have in Malta are pleading to bring more of them, as if its not more than enough that we have them. If they don't want to go back to their country, Africa is big, they have a lot of options.
Corinne Vella
Mar 5th 2011, 10:20
They are not appealing to bring everyone here to stay. They are appealing for the international community - including Malta - to take action.
J Camilleri
Mar 3rd 2011, 18:41
Whilst I agree that these people are in need of assistance, I wonder to ask why everyone always turn to us and Italy? Aren't there any other countries in Europe? Aren't there any other countries in middle east themselves? Aren't there any other countries in this whole world?
Why do you always expect everything from this tiny little rock in the Mediterranean? Unfortunately I beg to differ with these Eritreans. We already are giving much by you being here when our own children and families need help themselves. So don't expect more from us, we are no sugar daddy!
If you need help evacuating your brothers and sisters to other countries I'm sure we'll be there to assist as usual but expect none more from us! Our national interest should and MUST come before!
N. S Tanti
Mar 4th 2011, 12:30
rightly said!!!! Good point.
Carmel Cilia
Mar 3rd 2011, 18:16
It seems in Malta everybody has the right and chance to protest except us Maltese. Who and when is somebody going to organise a protest against illigal immigration. I hope the usual channels would not tell us that today it is not right to protest.
If we let one single man from this mess into our island we would no longer be able to stem the surge. I hope that our political leaders bothe Dr. Gonzi and Dr. Muscat realise this.
They would be help responsible for what could happen to maltese citizens if this rock is invaded by foreignors of this sort. It is also about time that we show the back door to all those who recommend that because of our religion we should accept these multitudes.
Our existence would depend on what we do today.
Corinne Vella
Mar 3rd 2011, 17:21
@ J Gatt
Criticism and counterargument do not constitute an attack.
Corinne Vella
Mar 3rd 2011, 17:19
@ Louis Gialanze
'the aliens' work to support themselves.
CEllul
Mar 3rd 2011, 17:46
Do they? Because from what I've heard many immigrants are finding it pretty hard to find jobs. Usually they end up working on short term contracts and they are badly paid for it, making it difficult for other Maltese citizens to find unskilled labor jobs with a decent wage. The only people enjoying with more illegal immigration are the capitalists and of course the NGOs funded by the EU to take care of them
P. S Zammit
Mar 4th 2011, 07:30
Oh yes Corinnes, even those that are in Marsa trying to stop vehicles to get some work every morning are supporting themselves, or those living in the closed centres, yes they do support themselves. Come on be real for once.
You should just be sincere and say that whatever such people do, since they come from Africa, they are right in your eyes and that you are not willing to hear nothing more. That's all. You are simply intollerant to Maltese. Just be sincere and say it that's all. As you said in many cases, this is a democracy so you have every right to hate maltese. I imagine you defending any criminal offences that may be done by anyone coming from Africa. No problem. Today what you say cannot be taken seriously anymore. We know you will defend anyone as long as he/she is not maltese.
N. S Tanti
Mar 4th 2011, 07:39
Right C. Ellul. This woman should come to Marsa at about 6:15am everyday and she will see how they support themselves. They are begging in the street maybe someone of us going to work stops and gives them work. Is this the way they intend to support themselves? The only ones enjoying from illegal immigration and the ETC 2 created in Marsa are the contractors that take these people because no NI, no FSS, no sick leave and no vacation leave is paid. They prefer them from a maltese because they can get rid of them when they want and no one seems to see it. The rest of us, many tax payers are tired to see our taxes being blown in the wind like this where nothing is done for the maltese people and people like you are just concerned about such people who have broken our laws. Because dear Corinne, entering a country without permission is ILLEGAL if you don't know. Who knows what's their history even medical and criminal one? Who knows what past some of them have? And you pretend us to accomodate them in our bed. Get real for once!
Corinne Vella
Mar 4th 2011, 11:38
P. S. Zammit - You misquote me, but that is no surprise given your incoherent thought. I never said I hate the Maltese. It is those who are intolerant of criticism, like yourself, who interpret disagreement as hate. I see you spell the word as 'intollerant'. Are you one of the infamous elves?
N. S. Tanti - Refugee status and humanitarian protection give people the right to reside legally in Malta. If you are out of work, then you do not pay any tax; f you are in work, then you are not competing for jobs, so the rest of your diatribe is irrelevant.
J S Borg
Mar 3rd 2011, 17:09
Well I am one of those supposed Christians who helped and still help il/legal immigrants.
There is no need to state how I Help/ed, I just did what other supposed christian does.
I am sure that those who are very christian or whatever their beliefs are willing to pay more taxes to cover expences on immigrants as well as they are willing to welcome to their home any immigrant.
I bet that within a week that the Libyan crisis is over all the world will forget all about about the good deeds done by MALTA.
Corinne Vella
Mar 3rd 2011, 17:02
@ Joseph Calleja
They work to feed and clothe themselves and to put a roof over their heads. They were appealing for help for others worse off than they are.
Raymond Sammut
Mar 3rd 2011, 17:30
That makes about a 100,000 on the two Libyan borders presently.
Corinne Vella
Mar 3rd 2011, 18:09
They were appealing for assistance for Eritreans trapped in Libya. The 100,000 you mention are at the Tunisian border.
EdwardCassar
Mar 3rd 2011, 16:15
http://www.cyprus-mail.com/cyprus/backlash-over-migration-policy-tensions-mount-pyl
Joseph Calleja
Mar 3rd 2011, 15:52
" Jesuit Refugee Service, Alternattiva and Graffitti." I wonder if any of these sympathisers have any room in their own homes to accommodate these refugees? We all feel for the sick, the poor the oppressed and so on but we all know that life is not fair and we have to accept that fact. Malta cannot afford to take anymore people. First of all Malta is already over populated with it's own citizens and most of our citizens are having a hard time making ends meet. The JRS are getting well compensated for the work they do with the illegal immigrants, Alternativa fighting for recognition and as we all know Graffity will protest at anything that will get attention and put their name in the media. Malta should put up a sign saying " FULL UP ". And unless the bleeding hearts et al can sponsor and accommodate these people in their own homes please stop encouraging illegal immigrants to come to Malta. These protesters should be thankful that Malta and the Maltese people were kind enough to feed them and clothe them and put a roof over their heads.
N. S Tanti
Mar 4th 2011, 07:40
That's my point and whoever does not not see such reality is just being blind on purpose.
Louis Gialanze
Mar 3rd 2011, 15:37
Malta has no political obligation towards Africa and the Eritreans can always move sideways to any other of the 52 countries, most of which rich are in minerals and resources and which together make up the vast continent of Africa. Malta risks sliding back into recession in the event that our scarce resources are directed towards the upkeep of the aliens.
N. S Tanti
Mar 4th 2011, 07:42
Can't they go to Tunisia or other countries near Libya? Africa is so big, why they always want only Europe to take them in? I guess there's much thought to be done about the real reasons why they want to come here.
Corinne Vella
Mar 4th 2011, 11:41
N. S. Tanti: Here's one of the reasons why getting into Tunisia is not the easy option you make out:
"he UNHCR says that heavily-armed pro-Gaddafi forces are manning the Libyan side of the border with Tunisia, according to the AFP news agency.
Sean Grima
Mar 5th 2011, 07:45
since when are shopkeepers experts on politics?
K. Rizzo
Mar 3rd 2011, 15:25
We are sorry for what happened to you and for what is happening to you, really sorry! But the size of our ROCK is way too small to be able to help any further. If Europe doesn't help us out enough then, even though we would like to help you, we just cannot and have no choice but not to let any more in.
K.Formosa
Mar 3rd 2011, 15:10
@ Alex Grech
For now MAYBE they are doing as you are saying but in a week's time they will do as I wrote...regarding the christian nation you mentioned, be informed that it's a hypocrite christian nation you're talkin about!
H.Calleja
Mar 3rd 2011, 16:07
Why must some people like you always pop in religion and other deflamatory remarks against Malta and the Maltese. Why don't you thank the Lord that such a tiny Island is so charitable whenever needed. Whilst foreigners have so much praise for Malta's sterling efforts, some 'Maltese helwin' are always moaning and uttering disparging remarks.
Brian Maloret
Mar 3rd 2011, 14:59
Why can they not seek safety in Tunisia as thousands of other refugees from Libya have done.
Joseph Calleja
Mar 3rd 2011, 16:01
If these refugees and illegal immigrants are so concerned, why don't they go back to their country and fight their dictator regimes like the brave Tunisians, Egyptians and now the brave Libyans are doing? Freedom has a price and does not come easy like it came for the lot. Malta is overcrowded already and cannot accept any more illegal immigrants.
Corinne Vella
Mar 3rd 2011, 18:11
They are designated refugees because they cannot go back to their own country without facing persecution or death.
R. Azzopardi
Mar 4th 2011, 08:03
@Joseph Calleja.
No they won't do it. Moaning and grumbling is easier. Instead of escaping in thousands, they should remove their institutions and you said other countries have done. But for them it's easier to abuse Europe's charity.
Corinne Vella
Mar 5th 2011, 18:42
R Azzopardi: "Removing institutions" is the problem, not the solution.
K.Formosa
Mar 3rd 2011, 14:38
Spiccajna tajjeb dal-pajjiz....Min fadal jipprotesta???
Alex Grech
Mar 3rd 2011, 14:57
They are not protesting! They are appealing for help.
Little do they understand how uncharitable this supposedly Christian nation can be.
J Gatt
Mar 3rd 2011, 15:12
I think they know how charitable we are we are Mr. Alex, because they are trying to tell our leaders what to do!! And it seems that foreigners have more say than Maltese in this island, because when commenters say something in favor of Malta because they are concerened about its well being and its futurem, there is always lots of other commenters who attack them!!!
Corinne Vella
Mar 3rd 2011, 22:37
Asking for help is not the same thing as telling someone what to do. You need not worry that your charity will be exploited, as there is none in your remark.
N. S Tanti
Mar 4th 2011, 07:43
Well said J. Gatt.
Gianni Tanti
Mar 3rd 2011, 14:37
Most probably these people had their relatives in Libya waiting for the right time to cross over to Malta.
Jesmond Micallef
Mar 3rd 2011, 14:37
Indeed, another humanitarian dimension to the whats going on in Libya, at the moment !! Hope those vulnerable people will be protected somehow !! I fully support all the participants of this demonstration, here.
J Farrugia
Mar 3rd 2011, 14:37
These people say they cant go to Eritrea but neither can they invade Malta. Malta cannot afford to give asylum to so many nationalities otherwise bye bye to the Malta we knew. And those who went to protest with the foreigners had better think again.
Adrian Buckle
Mar 3rd 2011, 15:15
That's it, J Farrugia. Tell them so like the convinced catholic you are.
Jane Busuttil
Mar 3rd 2011, 15:54
J Farrugia I agree with you. They must go back to their own countries and do whatever is necessary to rebuilt them. We cannot and must not keep accepting illegal immigrants.
P. S Zammit
Mar 4th 2011, 07:24
I agree with J Farrugia 100%. Everyone could come up with the excuse that they will be prosecuted if they go back. With this excuse we should accept every Tom Dick and Harry then? With this rate, everyone protesting and everyone asking Malta to take in their nationals we would end up out of our homes. May seem drastic but that's what happens in the long run where too many immigrants are accepted.
No they have to find another solution, Malta is too small to accept all this. Italy is grumbling because of all those immigrants when it has so much space, what should Malta do then when there's barely enough space to welcome us maltese? How many more taxes do we have to pay to accomodate such people who at the end of the day think only about themselves and not of the burden they produce to Europe. We are not talking of a 100 but of thousands, all of whom they pretend that we adapt to them instead of vice versa. Ok I know there will be alot of commentors replying to me but whatever is said I stand by my point. This is the true the situation.
R. Azzopardi
Mar 4th 2011, 08:05
@ Adrian
What does christianity have to do with it??? Can I come to your home, take your bed and leave you sleeping on the floor because I'm tired from a long journey??? I think your answer should be yes because you are christian right????? I'm packing now!!!!
Corinne Vella
Mar 5th 2011, 18:43
R Azzopardi: That comparison is facetious. No one is trying to get into your bed but several people are trying to reach a place of safety. Malta is not necessarily their destination, much less is your bed.