The measures announced by Minister Piantedosi during the press conference following the approval of the Security Decree – such as a “naval blockade” and transfers to third countries -confirm a political choice that once again shifts responsibility away from Italy and Europe, instead of placing the protection of life and people at sea at the center.
The reference to the European Pact on Migration and Asylum must be clarified – comments SOS MEDITERRANEE – no national or European legislation can authorize collective pushbacks or suspend international obligations of rescue and protection. Using this framework to justify so-called “naval blockades” or forced transfers, means evading responsibilities that are binding on Italy. In particular, the transfer of migrants to so-called “safe” third countries raises deeply concerning questions: what criteria are being used, and what effective guarantees exist for people’s rights? Experience shows that these mechanisms result in the externalization of responsibilities and further violations.
If the framework of this law initiative introduces the possibility of preventing passage beyond territorial waters, then it’s in clear conflict with international law and the Italian Constitution, while further reinforcing the criminalization of migrants and of those who save lives, such as civil society organizations.
All this is happening while a new tragedy has just occurred in the central Mediterranean: testimonies shared by associations and activists report that Cyclone Harry may have caused up to 1,000 deaths at sea, without any comment from institutions and far from media attention. The inability to access official data from institutions is a way of denying the public’s right to be informed. Speaking of transfers and interdictions in such a context confirms inhumane policies that intensify repressive measures.
SOS MEDITERRANEE reiterates that no border control measure can be legitimate if it endangers people’s lives or denies them their fundamental rights. The Mediterranean cannot continue to be a zone of human sacrifice and shame.
Photo: Tess Barthes/SOS MEDITERRANEE
