There are alternatives to detention of refugees, say NGOs

On World Refugee Day, four NGOs called upon the government to look for alternatives to the long-term detention of asylum seekers. The NGOs concerned are the Aditus foundation, Jesuit Refugee Service (Malta), Migrant’s Network for Equality, SOS Malta, Malta Emigrants’ Commission, KOPIN, Integra Foundation, Foundation for Shelter and Support of Migrants, Organisation for Friendship in Diversity. World Refugee Day which falls on the 20th June, was called by these NGOs as an opportunity to recall the plight of refugees around the world, and pledge our continued support for their cause. It is also an occasion for Malta to look closely at how we receive asylum-seekers and refugees, to ensure that our laws, policies and procedures are in line with our international legal obligations. These NGOs who work daily with refugees, asylum-seekers and other migrants, reiterated their call to meet the Minister responsible for immigration and asylum and to jointly undertake this assessment. They expressed the hope to reopen the review begun a year ago and establish whether any of their detailed recommendations will be implemented. “The new government has a rare opportunity to prove that it recognises the humanity of all persons, particularly the most vulnerable. We therefore call on the government to commemorate this World Refugee Day by making its intentions clear and triggering a much-needed review process.” said Dr Neil Falzon, Director, Aditus foundation