The sterling and ongoing work by Moas, Doctors Without Borders and others to save migrants from drowning in the Mediterranean should not mask the abject failure of major international institutions to deal with this long-standing humanitarian issue.

In particular, Jean-Claude Juncker, president of the European Commission, must shoulder much blame for inconsistent and knee-jerk reactions.

Many countries affected by this complex problem are part of the Commonwealth. Is it possible for the Commonwealth to look at migration at sea through different eyes?

Perhaps the Commonwealth Secretariat, aided by PhyllisMuscat and her task force, could initiate a conference as part of CHOGM (Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting) in Malta in November?

I and others in the military and humanitarian community would welcome such a move and would happily contribute.

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