A government spokesperson has said that all areas inside the Safi Detention Centre will be completely refurbished in the coming months.

This comes after the Council of Europe’s Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović, visited Malta and expressed concern over the situation in Block A of the centre. She strongly urged the authorities to take immediate action to ensure dignified conditions for all those currently held there.

The government spokesperson said that the Commissioner visited areas with works in progress as well as refurbished parts. “These works will address issues raised by the Commissioner and a commitment to finish works within an agreed timeframe was made during the meetings. Unfortunately, Malta’s exposure to migratory pressure does not make it possible to carry out works in all the compounds simultaneously, and the part referred to by the Commissioner is the last remaining area that has not yet been refurbished. Nevertheless, works are still ongoing, and all areas inside the Safi Detention Centre will be completely refurbished in the coming months.” 

Migration is a sensitive topic in Malta. Between the government’s hard stance taken on the issue, and the racist comments one would find on social media, it is always a topic that brings about controversy.

While the government’s methods in handling irregular migrants out at sea has raised eyebrows, there can be no doubt that migrants should be treated with dignity at all times. Questions whether the government has actually done that remain rife. An example would be when, during the pandemic, migrants and asylum seekers were transferred onto tourism boats, kept at sea for weeks. A court case had been filed on this incident.

When they land in Malta and are taken to one of the centres, they should be kept in decent living conditions. This doesn’t seem to have been the case, but it is good that the government is working on improving that situation.

Migrants and asylum seekers crossing the Mediterranean clearly feel they have no other choice. Whether it is because they are fleeing for their lives and would be granted asylum, or because they face poverty and feel like they have no real future back home, they are putting their lives at risk because they feel they have no other option. Many have drowned in the Mediterranean trying to make the journey.

Those making the crossing are human beings and we must always remember that they should be treated with respect and dignity.

Europe squabbles over how to deal with the situation. A more united approach, together, is needed.