Joint NGO appeal to the Prime Minister to resolve the Alan Kurdi standoff
We strongly urge Malta to allow the disembarkation of the over 60 people rescued over nine days ago by the Alan Kurdi. In doing so, Malta will ensure a humane end to this incident that prioritises the preservation of lives over political and legal considerations. Whilst we appreciate that these considerations are of course central to the determination of responsibilities and obligations, these should not override or ignore the need to ensure the safety of all rescued persons and of the rescuing crew.
We remind Malta and the European Union that Libya cannot be considered a safe port of disembarkation. Countless reports have been revealing the appalling human rights violations suffered by migrants in Libya. Furthermore, the recent escalation of violence in the country highlights the increased lack of security for Libyans and migrants alike. Forcibly returning migrants, as also Libyan nationals, to Libya would expose them to torture, sexual violence, arbitrary detention, discrimination and – in some cases – death.
We are also extremely concerned that the refusal of coastal states to allow the prompt disembarkation of rescued migrants discourages private vessels from fulfilling their obligation of rescuing any person found to be in distress at sea. Coastal states are therefore strongly urged to take due consideration of the human and commercial strain such incidents place on private vessels.
Whilst we appreciate the difficulties Malta faces due to Italy’s extreme stance on migration issues, we nonetheless appeal to the Prime Minister to prove that the nation may and will rise above this terrible race to the bottom. We can and must do better.
#DontLetThemDrown #LetThemIn
Statement endorsed by:
- aditus foundation
- Allied Rainbow Communities
- Office of the Dean, Faculty for Social Wellbeing, University of Malta
- Department of Gender Studies, University of Malta
- Department for Inclusion and Access to Learning, University of Malta
- Department of Youth and Community Studies
- Drachma LGBTI
- Drachma Parents Group
- Foundation for Shelter and Support to Migrants
- LGBTI+ Gozo
- Integra Foundation
- International Association For Refugees
- Isles of the Left
- Jesuit Refugee Service Malta
- Kopin
- Malta LGBTIQ Rights Movement
- Moviment Graffitti
- OASI Foundation
- Platform of Human Rights Organisations in Malta
- Richmond Foundation
- Solidarity with Migrants
- SOS Malta
- Spark 15
- Sudanese Community Malta
- The Critical Institute
- Victim Support Malta
- Kummissjoni Ġustizzja u Paċi, Arċidjoċesi ta’ Malta
- JosAnn Cutajar