Italy has resumed its controversial refugee relocation program, sending the first batch of 49 migrants to Albania amid a surge in arrivals by boat. The move marks the latest push by Italy’s Giorgia Meloni government to enforce a plan that critics argue violates international law and human rights.
The Italian navy ship Cassiopeia has arrived in the Albanian port of Shëngjin carrying 49 refugees and migrants intercepted in Italian waters. This move marks the latest push by Italy’s Giorgia Meloni government to enforce a legally disputed plan to have asylum claims processed in Albania as part of its hardline policy.
The Italian government has implemented various programs to resettle refugees in the country.
The program, initiated in 2015, aims to provide a safe haven for those fleeing conflict and persecution.
According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) , Italy received over 110,000 asylum applications between 2020 and 2021.
The government has established reception centers and provides support services, including language classes, job training, and medical care.
In 2020, Italy also signed the EU's resettlement program, which allows for the transfer of refugees from other countries to Italy.
The development comes amid an increase in the number of refugees arriving in southern Italy by boat. According to data from the interior ministry, 3,312 people arrived in January, more than double arrivals in the same month last year. Almost half landed over the weekend; of the 421 people screened by Italian patrols, 49 were sent to Albania.
The interior ministry has not provided the nationalities of those intercepted, although Ansa news agency reported they were from Bangladesh, Egypt, the Gambia, and Ivory Coast – countries Italy considers safe. However, critics argue that this plan is ‘disgraceful‘ and violates international law and human rights.
Italy’s latest push to process asylum claims in Albania comes after two failed attempts in the autumn, when a court in Rome ruled the detention of a small group of people was unlawful because their countries of origin were unsafe to be repatriated to if their asylum requests were rejected. The cases are currently being referred to the European Court of Justice, which is expected to rule on February 25.
The disputed scheme has attracted attention from some world leaders, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, but has been condemned by Italian opposition politicians and human rights groups. Critics argue that Italy’s government is forcing its hand in continuing with the deportation of migrants to Albania, trampling on judges’ sentences and crushing the right to asylum.
The Italian government has implemented various policies to address the influx of refugees and migrants.
According to the International Organization for Migration, Italy received over 53,000 asylum applications in 2020.
The country has established reception centers to provide initial assistance, including food, shelter, and medical care.
However, critics argue that the processing time for asylum claims is often lengthy, taking an average of 12-18 months.
Italy has also signed the EU's Dublin Regulation, which determines the member state responsible for examining an asylum application.
Almost all of those who arrived in Italy this month had left from Libya, according to La Repubblica newspaper. This comes despite Italy’s pact with Libya intended to stop boat departures. The increase last weekend could be connected to the case of Osama Najim, the Libyan general suspected of war crimes, including abuses against migrants and refugees held in Libyan detention centres.
Italian MEP Ilaria Salis has criticized the government’s policy, stating that it is ‘hard to imagine a more disgraceful policy.‘ She argues that public resources are being used not to protect the vulnerable but to shield the powerful.
Ilaria Salaris, an Italian politician, has faced criticism for her handling of refugee policies.
Critics argue that her approach prioritizes national security over humanitarian concerns, leading to increased detention and deportation rates.
According to a 2020 report by Amnesty International, Italy's asylum system is plagued by inefficiencies, resulting in lengthy processing times and inadequate support for refugees.
Salaris' policy has also been criticized for its perceived reliance on private contractors, which can lead to accountability issues.
- theguardian.com | Italy sends 49 refugees to Albania in bid to resume disputed scheme
