Migrants are not ‘a problem’

Presenter Massimo Giletti’s unfounded claim on RaiUno last Sunday that Malta was shooting at migrants was received by the Maltese government and people with disdain and protest. Such reaction was duly and aptly expressed by Malta’s Ambassador to Italy Walter Balzan’s prompt denial during the same programme, and during the last days, by an official letter to the Rai and by various comments on the facebook pages of Mr Giletti and Rai.

Maltese and Italians alike are concerned about the influx of immigrants and refugees into our countries. We are facing a humanitarian emergency that cannot be addressed only by the European countries that happen to be in the Mediterranean. The issues at stake are manifold: legal, economic, social, political…

Any oversimplification, as any exaggeration or overgeneralisation, as well as irresponsible and unfounded “Giletti-style” claims simply worsen the situation because they fail to see where the problem lies and further complicate it. Equally harmful are categorical affirmations as “us” and “them”, “Italy’s problem” “Malta’s problem”, “unlucky us” “lucky you” (“beati voi”). All European countries need to come together if we are to address the situation effectively.

In this moment in our nation’s history, we are facing a challenge that should not make us forget that the lives of thousands of human beings are at stake. We must reaffirm (as they say, repetita iuvant) what is hopefully obvious to us all: all human beings are equal in dignity. It thus follows that all measures must be inspired and guided by this fundamental principle of equality irrespective of race, colour, sex or creed. This principle is to be upheld by all, not only by those who have the political mandate to govern our country.

Our everyday talk on the matter in different places – in front of the TV or sitting for lunch or dinner in our homes; during the coffee-break at work; chatting at the marketplace, having a drink in a café, chatting on the internet, and so on – helps much to counter a racist mentality if we talk of immigrants and refugees as human beings and not as numbers or as “the problem”, “the troublemakers”, the “invaders”. The situation is problematic, but the persons involved cannot be considered in themselves as nothing but a problem to be “solved”. Human dignity demands that we always acknowledge a person as a person. It depends on us all – especially with regards to educating the younger generations – to help in the building of a truly human society.

The point I’m trying to make is that if we keep in mind that the challenge we are facing is made up of human beings, then we could continue to strive to come to terms with this difficult and delicate situation in humane ways. Each one of us has the potential to enrich the public discussion and promote a culture and mentality that respects the personhood and dignity of every human being. We should continue to live up to one of our basic “Maltese DNA” traits: hospitality. May our spirit of hospitality orient our discussions and all decisions we take so that, while safeguarding our national interests and the common good, we address this humanitarian emergency with “person-centred” solutions.

In these days it is fitting to recall to mind the words that Pope Benedict XVI addressed to us nearly a year ago at the end of his apostolic visit to Malta: “On account of its geographical position in the heart of the Mediterranean, many immigrants arrive on Malta’s shores, some fleeing from situations of violence and persecution, others in search of better conditions of life.

“I am aware of the difficulties that welcoming a large number of people may cause, difficulties which cannot be solved by any country of first arrival on its own. At the same time, I am also confident that, on the strength of its Christian roots and its long and proud history of welcoming strangers, Malta will endeavour, with the support of other states and international organisations, to come to the aid of those who arrive here and to ensure that their rights be respected.”