“The government has not contacted NGOs to develop a better dialogue in order to deliver more concrete solutions to the current situation in Hal Far,” explained Maria Pisani, director of the Integra Foundation.
She was asked to comment following a riot that took place at the Hal Far openm centre on Sunday night, in which some 300 migrants were involved. More than 100 are facing charges in court.
“We call for the government to provide better dialogue with us and NGOs - not for us to criticise and stamp our feet, but to recognise the challenges and see how they can be addressed correctly. We are eager to provide support whenever we can and we wish to see collaboration on a policy level.”
Pisani made clear that the Integra Foundation expresses its solidarity with the staff and management at the Hal Far open centre.
Pisani called for better dialogue and collaboration between NGOs and the government to work hard to ensure the dignity, and security of Agency for the Welfare of Asylum Seekers (AWAS) workers and centre residents. “As a Foundation we have been raising concerns about the conditions in AWAS, the Safi centre and open centres for weeks and months. We have been arguing in support of the AWAS staff, for more support and that there must be more resources dedicated towards the open centre.”
She said that Malta should turn to the European Union for more support, not just in the financial sense, but also in its capacity to emphasise on solidarity for these workers and residents. “We are calling for EU solidarity with Malta, especially since this year we have received the highest number of asylum seekers. We must also call for solidarity with refugees, as we must recognise what these refugees must endure and experience, and the conditions they face in the detention and open centre.” She highlighted that since it is not safe for the AWAS staff, it also implies that it is not safe for residents to live there.
“There are vulnerable people living at these open centres; a refugee is already very vulnerable but we also find unaccompanied minors living in these centres, who should not be there in the first place.” Pisani highlighted that the Government must take up its responsibilities and that the EU should provide support.
On Monday, social media was full of racist comments and death threats against migrants, some even suggesting migrants should be shot at or gassed, she said. “I do not understand racism, but I understand anger, fear and frustration. We must work to reduce racism, as it only contributes to a toxic environment which helps nobody.” She said that Malta has already seen what happened when one allows racist comments, which led to the assassination of Lassana Cisse. “It is horrific to see such comments, and the government must do what it can to address such racism.” Pisani also mentioned that following the assassination of Cisse, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat had announced the introduction of a new department within the OPM, focusing on addressing racist issues and hate-speech in Malta. “What is being done in this regard? As an NGO we have heard nothing so far.”