The Valletta summit’s “double agenda” of preventing migrants from entering Europe while promoting returns runs counter to fundamental European values, according to a confederation of development NGOs.

Bob Van Dillen, chairman of CONCORD’s migration and development working group, criticised the summit’s “more-for-more” principle, with African countries encouraged to improve border management and collaborate on return and readmission agreements in exchange for funds and trade agreements. “The refugee crisis shows Europe’s failure to develop a coherent policy approach based on justice, human dignity and solidarity,” he said.

Speaking during a civil society conference on the fringes of the summit, Mr Van Dillen also attacked the use of development aid for reception centres in Europe, fighting people smugglers and financing border control reinforcement by African countries.

He called instead for the lifting of carrier sanctions and other measures to undermine the people smuggling industry while ensuring safe access to protection.

Proposals to have officials from African states join “hotspot” African refugee interrogations in the EU to determine applicability for readmission were singled out for particular criticism.

Lower remittance prices would put billions more in the pockets of Africa’s migrants

“Europe should adopt a different approach based on respect for fundamental human rights, including a timetable for the ratification and implementation of UN and International Labour Organisation conventions on migrant rights and labour,” he said.

Mr Van Dillen noted that migrants are shown to contribute to development and growth not only in destination countries but also in countries of origin, through money sent home and investment as social entrepreneurs.

He called for Europe to maximise these development benefits by investing in inclusive development in origin countries, including lowering charges on money sent home by migrants.

According to the World Bank, bringing remittance prices down to five per cent from the current 12.4 per cent average cost would put nearly €4 billion more in the pockets of Africa’s migrants.

Also addressing the conference, Antonella Valmorbida, from the Ladder Project, an international consortium of local authorities and civil society organisations, expressed disappointment at the way such organisations had been excluded from discussions.

Unprecedented help had come from civil society movements and individuals and recognising the value of such partnerships would allow for true collaboration to find effective solutions, she said.

President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca expressed hope that the summit would bring about much-needed changes in attitudes, strategies and policies. Opening the conference, she said too much time had been wasted on passivity while human rights were consistently side-lined or ignored.