UN migrant response to Italy

Volker Türk, United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights, expressed concern about the draft law in Italy, which could hinder non-governmental organization (NGO) rescue operations for irregular migrants in the Mediterranean and lead to more deaths at sea.

Türk, in his written statement, said: “We all look with horror at the situation of those who cross the Mediterranean, and we deeply wish to end this suffering. But this is the wrong way to handle such a humanitarian situation. “If this law is passed, more people in danger will suffer and risk more deaths because timely assistance is not provided.”

Noting that this bill “effectively punishes” both immigrants and those who want to help them, Türk said such punishments for humanitarian actions can also deter humanitarian organizations from doing their essential work. Türk said: “Under international law, a captain is obliged to provide emergency assistance to people in distress at sea, and countries must protect the right to life. But under this new bill, a nearby search and rescue vessel will have to ignore distress calls from those at sea simply because it has rescued others.”

Turk urged Italy to withdraw the proposed law, suggesting that they appeal to civil society groups, especially NGOs, to ensure that any proposed legislation is fully in line with international human rights law and international rights law. refugees.

DISCUSSION Bill

The bill, which was approved yesterday in the Chamber of Representatives, the lower house of the Italian parliament, must also receive the approval of the upper house of the parliament, the Senate, to become law. The bill in question will be discussed in the Senate starting next week.

The bill requires humanitarian rescue vessels to go to port immediately after the rescue operation and does not allow for additional rescues, even if they are close to people in danger.

In Italy, the right-wing coalition government led by Giorgia Meloni had adopted a new decree at the beginning of the year, which provided for some regulations for NGOs that rescue irregular migrants in the Mediterranean.

The decree, which entered into force on January 2, allows NGO ships to reach the designated safe port as soon as possible after the rescue, from the seizure of NGO ships rescuing immigrants who do not have permission to leave international waters or who are found to violate this permit, for 2 months on the first voyage and until confiscated on the second voyage contains so many different rules.

Around 104,000 irregular migrants arrived in Italy by sea in 2022. (BRITISH AUTOMOBILE CLUB)