Safe and legal channels for migration, less Eurocentric dialogue and a greater focus on development aid are top of the wish list for migration NGOs ahead of the imminent Valletta Summit.
However, there is more hope than expectation that tomorrow’s summit, which brings together more than 40 African and EU heads of state and government, can deliver concrete results.
“Migration has been a big issue for years, so it’s actually quite amusing to see how the idea of a high-level summit can actually contribute to anything. It looks like more of a stage to appease calls for action,” said Aditus director Neil Falzon.
Leaders are expected to agree, among other issues, on a €1.8 billion emergency trust fund – to which Malta will contribute €250,000 – to finance projects in Africa aimed at creating employment and supporting basic services.
Dr Falzon, however, lamented the fact that the exclusion of civil society from discussions meant the absence of a “human rights agenda” from the debate. Many African states, he said, were guilty of severe violations against their own people, and Europe’s willingness to offer financial support while encouraging them to stem the migrant flow was tantamount to complicity.
Europe’s willingness to offer financial support while encouraging them to stem the migrant flow is tantamount to complicity
“Reminders are needed for the EU to rethink its relations with African states, to one that is based less on self-interest and more on true solidarity with communities wishing to grow and flourish.”
Katrine Camilleri, director of the Jesuit Refugee Service, said the summit could not shy away from the day-to-day reality of people dying within EU borders.
“People risk their lives because they don’t have another option. We need to ensure that there are safe and legal ways for asylum seekers to access protection and more legal avenues for migration in general.” Dr Camilleri expressed concern that return and re-admission agreements for people who do not qualify for protection – expected to be another key part of the summit – were being increasingly linked to development aid.
Prime Minister Joseph Muscat has previously called for states that do not collaborate on such agreements to face economic sanctions.
“Development aid is there to eradicate poverty,” Dr Camilleri said. “Making it dependent on political agreements punishes the poorest and most vulnerable, who have no say and could eventually be forced to move themselves.”
Meanwhile, Integra Foundation director Maria Pisani called for the EU to shed its focus on security and border issues over humanitarian considerations.
“Lack of opportunities for young people, combined with poverty, climate change, war and persecution are some of the reasons people will continue to flee in search of security and protection,” she said.
“Failure to acknowledge and address this reality in a serious and concerted way will result in more deaths. Humanitarian aid and development cannot be about stopping migration, but rather about providing dignity, access to rights and well-being.”