The political class must address the problem of “nationalist populist discourse” on irregular migration rather than adopt it to gain votes, according to human rights NGOs.
The problem was raised by UN special rapporteur on human rights Françios Crépeau last week where he criticised the discourse portraying migrants and asylum seekers as a threat, saying these were “fantasies”.
“These fantasies are then used in political discourse because it helps elections. They can say these things and go unconfronted for many years because migrants do not vote and they do not have a voice,” Mr Crépeau said.
Politicians should be aware that how they speak has a massive impact on the way people think
Myths such as those that migrants would steal jobs, bring illnesses and terrorism have been scientifically proven wrong, Mr Crépeau said. But he also warned Malta to be better prepared for an influx in migrants in spring and summer next year.
Asylum flows are expected to increase in the absence of Italy’s initiative to save lives at sea, Mare Nostrum, which rescued migrants and asylum seekers and took them to Italy. That statement led to a flood of negative and vitriolic comments online against the UN rights expert.
Jesuit Refugee Services director Katrine Camilleri said: “It’s clear that public sentiment can be quite anti-immigrant and, rather than leading on the issue, politicians pander to this sentiment and this is dangerous.”
She said it was clear certain statements made on irregular migration were populist. “It’s become quite acceptable for high profile people to make certain comments and it’s worrying.”
Her comments were echoed by human rights lawyer Neil Falzon who said negative discourse used by politicians could be dangerous. “It influences the Maltese perception of migrants and it tells migrants they’re not welcome,” Aditus Foundation head said.
He referred to the incident where a Nigerian woman was recently assaulted by a Maltese man in St Paul’s Bay.
“For us there’s a very clear link between negative public discourse and an incident like that. If we had a discourse that was totally against racism and hate crimes and in favour of human rights and equality, these incidents would not happen as they are.”
Dr Falzon said this was a very heavy political responsibility that anyone in a public role should carry. “They should be aware that how they speak has a massive impact on the way people think,” he said.
Integra Foundation also agreed anti-immigration sentiment was a populist discourse fuelled by the political class. “Power is gained through the electoral process. Non-citizens are excluded because they don’t have a vote. Political discourse is grounded in getting votes. Unfortunately it becomes a populist issue,” Maria Pisani said.
Mr Crépeau also said EU member states had to change policy away from containment to controlled mobility – this would help alleviate responsibility from frontline states like Malta, Italy and Greece.
Referring to the Dublin Convention, he said EU policy has so far been focused on containment and this has fuelled smuggling networks. This was a point also stressed by Integra Foundation.
“People do not have a safe means to enter and this is why we have smuggling networks – these are based on demand and supply. They wouldn’t be there if people had a safer option,” Dr Pisani said.
This problem was also raised by PN MEP Therese Comodini Cachia, who sits on European parliamentary foreign affairs sub-committee on human rights. She criticised Europe for being ill-prepared in human trafficking and victim protection.
“Closing frontiers will further suit the propose of criminals rather than discourage them,” Dr Comodini Cachia said.