UNHCR concern for missing migrants' boat

Kenneth Galea

Nov 11th 2011, 02:58

UNHCR is concerned about the missing boat?????? Give us a break, this is an organisation which encourages these illegals to do the crossing in the first place from Libya to Europe. We have NO money dear UNHCR to strenghten the searches, not even Italy. The latter is bankrupt and Malta has to look after its own citizens first and not strangers.

Robert Callus

Nov 10th 2011, 21:43

@Joe Grech
You're not correct about the UNHCR. Probably you've been influenced by Louise Vella's misinformed crusade.

The UNHCR's role is neither overthrowing tyrants nor getting refugees into Europe. Its role is helping them get somewhere safe, wherever it is Many times it's either another African country, another area in the same country or reintegrated in their own country if the danger is gone. This is a small example:

http://www.unhcr.org/4eb3eeff6.html

It may seem that the influx of African refugees in Southern Europe is a result of the UNHCR's work. It couldn't be further from the truth. The UNHCR only helps them regularize their position and safeguard their rights. Without the sterling work of the UNHCR in Africa, the amount of refugees would be tenfold, at least.

From your comment it seems there is genuine concern and not some stupid crusade. May I suggest you read more about the UNHCR, meet the Maltese representatives personally (no, they don't live in ivory towers) and most important of all, meet refugees personally.

Joe Grech

Nov 10th 2011, 20:40

Loss of human life is always a tragedy. Such things should never happen. They occur because there are things which are very wrong somewhere. Entities not doing their work efficiently.
Unfortunately there are serious political and social problems in Africa. Despite the work (or is it bungling) of such organisations as the United Nations such problems continue as they are not really tackled with the seriousness and wisdom they deserve. Tyrants remain and innocent people continue to suffer everywhere but especially in a number of African countries.
The United Nations High Commission for Refugees has cause to be concerned. Regrettably it has to date not really helped refugees fleeing their homelands - it needs to help them overcome the despots who still rule them back home and offer them all the help they need to put their countries in order.
Encouraging them to migrate illegally to Europe which is itself floundering financially and socially (by taking up their cause on arrival) certainly does these people no good in the long run. UNHCR HAS TO RETHINK ITS STRATEGIES IF IT REALLY WANTS TO HELP AFRICANS!