What are the numbers as far as the recent migratory flows are concerned?
The figures tell us that since January 15th a little over seven thousand people have arrived from Tunisia, and frankly that is not an emergency of biblical proportions. Of course, it has been stressful for Lampedusa, but, as we too had requested, the government has activated a network of air and maritime transport that has worked quite well and thus pressure on the island has lessened. This does not mean that many more will not arrive, especially from Libya. I do not expect that to happen in the very near future, because in this kind of situation one must always allow a period of time to go by.
How many people have already left Libya?
No more than 230,000 and most of them were not Libyan citizens. They went to Tunisia. As happens all over the world, in critical situations the first flow is always over land whenever this is possible. Then they start to embark on sea journeys and this involves far fewer people. It is right to prepare for this, but without excessive anxiety. It is simply necessary to plan where people will be hosted and what legal status they will have. Then one must clearly state that for the moment no one will be rejected, not even immigrants from Tunisia and Egypt who come for economic reasons. At the moment this would pose a serious additional problem for Tunisia, to be added to the country’s economic problems, which include unemployment and the already difficult management of new refugees.
Italy has asked Europe to help, while many are requesting a review of the Dublin Convention on asylum. What should the E.U. do?
The E.U. should implement well thought out policies to lessen migratory pressure and facilitate a regular channel for those coming in on work, family or student visas. The European Council held on March 11th, addressed precisely this issue suggesting an exchange programme for young people who would in this way have prospects for a future in their own countries, perhaps thanks to a specialization obtained in Europe.
Every boat that arrives in Lampedusa does not represent a tragedy, we must create alternatives in their countries of origin, but also provide different choices for the young people who pay for a place on those boats, risking their lives and even the possibility of being rejected. Then there is the problem of refugees, especially those coming from sub-Saharan Africa, and who are currently blocked in Libya. They obviously cannot return home. The good news is that after 58 Eritreans were evacuated on March 8th and taken to Crotone, another 55 people were able to leave Libya. This is the right path and Italy is on it. Of course other countries too should choose to host immigrants.
Is it possible to compare Italy to another European country such as Germany where there is traditionally a high level of immigration?
One must of course bear in mind that Libya is not a priority for Germany or France, since neither country has the economic interests there that Italy has, ranging from oil to financial investments. Germany’s priorities lie elsewhere. That said, responsibility cannot be only Italy’s but must be shared by all Europeans. Economic investments are needed to stabilize these countries. In Tunisia, for example, there were 400,000 jobs all linked to tourism and now there is no tourism.
How is the Italian Council for Refugees currently operating in Libya?
We are attempting to adjust our objectives and operations on a daily basis. At the moment we are activating and keeping open the channels we have there, especially through the bishopric in Tripoli. We are constantly in touch with Eritrean and Somali communities and our Libyan operators. I do however hope our project leader will soon be able to return to Libya to start new activities that must be implemented in coordination with other NGOs there, including Italian ones.
Translated by Francesca Simmons