Prime Minister Joseph Muscat this morning called for intervention by the United Nations on the situation in Libya, adding that this cannot be seen as being unrelated to the influx of migrants crossing seas.
Meeting United Nations High Commissioner for refugees Antoinio Gutteres, Dr Muscat added that the influx of migrants is not merely a problem for Malta, but rather a Mediterranean, European and global issue. He stressed that a common migration policy is required.
Dr Muscat said that the UN needs not only address the situation in Libya, but that in Syria and Iraq, and acknowledge the fact that it is related to the influx of migrants. “Such a situation needs to be tackled in a bilateral manner,” he said.
Dr Muscat said that the lack of security in Libya is allowing for criminal gangs to engage in human trafficking and other criminal acts. Dr Muscat said that a process needs to be set up to allow those wanting to move into Europe to do so through registering first. He added, that the government is currently looking for a location to host unaccompanied minors.
While showing gratitude towards the armed forces of Malta for their operations to save lives at sea, Mr Gutterres noted that Malta’s capacity is limited, and ratification of policies and an enhanced mechanism is needed to better assist small member states receiving migrants. Such policies, he added, should ensure both responsibility and solidarity. In addition, Mr Gutteres said the UN is willing to discuss ways in which Malta could improve detention conditions.