A statement by the Church questioning Malta’s policy of detaining irregular migrants has been welcomed by NGOs, which have long called for it to be scrapped.
Reacting to the death of Malian migrant Mamadou Kamara last week, Archbishop Paul Cremona and Gozo Bishop Mario Grech yesterday called on the Maltese to reflect on their attitudes towards migrants.
Two soldiers have been charged with murdering Mr Kamara soon after he was apprehended after escaping from Safi detention centre. A third has been charged with tampering with evidence.
Expressing profound sorrow and concern, the bishops offered condolences to the victim’s family, friends and the Malian community on behalf Maltese Catholics.
They said Mr Kamara’s death raised serious questions, such as whether this should be an occasion to start reflecting on the detention policy.
“Could there be alternatives to the different situations in which migrants are being kept? The fundamental guiding principle in these cases should be the full respect of the dignity of each person.”
The bishops said this was also an occasion for society to start reflecting on its attitudes towards asylum seekers in Malta.
They highlighted the comments made by opinion leaders and the media, commentary online and in casual discussion.
“Racist or disparaging comments, speeches and behaviour go contrary to the dignity of humanity and the teachings of the Gospel.”
The bishops thanked those who work with migrants, including soldiers, the police and NGOs for their dedication.
Human rights activist Neil Falzon, from the NGO Aditus, interpreted the Church’s statement as an “endorsement” of the appeal made earlier this week by 10 NGOs, including two Church NGOs (the Jesuit Refugee Service and the Emi-grant’s Commission).
“We disagree with the national consensus that detention is the right policy. We disagree with the assumption that detention is good and here to say.
“Many reputable international organisations have been saying this. Now the Church too is questioning the validity of detention,” Dr Falzon said.
“It’s great that the Church is also coming on board because while we question the human rights element, the Church is highlighting the moral aspect.
“How moral is it to lock up people who are fleeing persecution?”
Dr Falzon said the case of Mr Kamara should be a catalyst for change because it was not an isolated incident but “the product of a system”.
“This case reached such a level of public attention because a man died.
“But there are repeated incidents of violence that never reach the media because no one dies.”
Dr Falzon said those who worked in detention centres and with migrants were shocked by the incident, but not surprised.
“We’ve been predicting an escalation of violence for many years. The system is conducive to anger, violence and a negative attitude. It allows these things to happen,” he said, adding that if migrants were always spoken about as a “burden” they were automatically dehumanised.