12 December 2014

UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants: European countries must support Malta’s efforts and ‘shoulder their share of responsibilities’

Malta, a key entry point into Europe, needs to step up its preparation for migrants and asylum-seekers crossing the Mediterranean Sea and arriving at its external borders, UN human rights expert François Crépeau warned. He also urged European countries to support Malta’s efforts and ‘shoulder their share of responsibilities’.  

‘Malta is likely to see an increase in the number of arrivals in 2015 with the phasing out of the Italian rescue programme Mare Nostrum’, the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants said at the end of his visit to the island. ‘However, things are about to change and Malta must prepare for the numbers of migrants that will arrive.’

The Special Rapporteur also called on Europe to actively support the initiatives developed by the Maltese government and shoulder its share of responsibilities which include opening legal and safe channels for migration and mobility within the EU.

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Source: UN News Centre | ‘Things are about to change,’ UN expert urges Malta to prepare for migrants

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