The EU – Africa Summit on Migration taking place today and tomorrow would hopefully bring about the much-needed change in attitudes, strategies and policies, President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca said this morning.
Addressing a conference on migration and development, organised by SOS Malta and LADDER consortium, she said future generations would judge the present generation on the choices of strategies and policies being made now, and on the commitments being undertaking as an international community.
“We will be judged on how many people will be alleviated from poverty; on how many of us will have better access to healthcare; on the improved availability of water and sanitation; on the provision of sustainable economic growth; on the action we are taking in response to climate change, and on our efforts to secure just, peaceful and inclusive societies.
“We will be judged by how we are treating fellow human beings in need of help and protection,” she said.
President Coleiro Preca said migration was fuelled by inequality and poverty, lack of food and water security, economic factors such as unemployment, lack of sustainable practises, climate change, conflict and war.
She noted that human rights were all too often sidelined, and ignored.
“In this context, effective action must be taken immediately and without any further delay.”
Too much time was lost in passivity that resulted into the Mediterranean region and mainland Europe facing an unprecedented situation.
“Now is the time for a turning point. A turning point which hopefully would mean, a new beginning, for so many countless people.”
President Coleiro Preca said that existing migration policies sought to hinder and stop this collective sense of cooperation and instead of reflecting policies that promoted free trade and an open economy, they crushed all hopes of freedom.
“Why are we failing to recognise that migration can be a positive process, adding particular value?
“Why are we failing to adopt migration policies that facilitate the movement of people rather than restrict them?
“Why are we putting up walls instead of building bridges,” she asked.
President Coleiro Preca said that understanding the true impact of migration was crucial to debate the topic in a constructive and fruitful way.
“An effective information strategy needs to be put in place, raising awareness about the reality, facing migrants and providing a true picture of facts.
“Misinformation and misconceptions can only lead to fear of the unknown, while, in your own words, initiatives to raise awareness about the migration issue, encourage tolerance and solidarity toward asylum seekers and beneficiaries of protection.”
This, President Coleiro Preca said, was an effective way to fight racism, xenophobia, and all kinds of discrimination against migrants across Europe.
“Our approach to migration has to be in a realistic, comprehensive and proactive manner. Migration is an ongoing issue. Migration flows, push and pull factors may change, hence the dire need to be proactive and not passive,” she said.