MSF denounces that the transfer of migrants from Italy to Albania “will result in more human rights abuses”

MADRID 16 Oct. () –

The NGO Doctors Without Borders (MSF) denounced this Tuesday that the transfer of migrants rescued in the waters of the Mediterranean Sea from Italy to centers in Albania “will result in more abuses and violations of Human Rights”, all after Rome announce the sending of the first group of asylum seekers.

“Italy’s latest strategy to evade and externalize its responsibilities towards people seeking safety and protection is likely to result in further abuses and human rights violations. This measure will prevent survivors from accessing asylum procedures and assessments. of vulnerability, which contravenes Italy’s obligations under International and European Law,” reads a statement from the organization.

In this sense, he has shown his “deep concern” about the impact of this measure on the “well-being” of the transferred migrants, which also raises “important problems” regarding the rights to freedom, access to protection and asylum procedures. appropriate, and on “more practical” issues such as the identification of vulnerable people or their living conditions in reception centers on Albanian territory.

“It is impossible to adequately assess the vulnerability of people while they are on a boat at sea. To do it correctly requires resources that are only available on land,” said MSF search and rescue manager Juan Matías Gil.

MSF has also recalled that its teams that are operating in detention centers both in the European Union and outside it “have observed a significant impact on the mental health of people who are detained” due to the movement restrictions imposed on them. .

“Prolonged and arbitrary detention continues to have serious consequences for migrants and asylum seekers. People in search of safety and protection remain exposed to inhuman conditions at EU borders, with very limited access to information, adequate services and protection,” Gil added.

The Albanian and Italian authorities signed the agreement to open these centers in November 2023, which unleashed a wave of criticism from Human Rights organizations, including the UN. The Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, promised to toughen migration policies upon coming to power, which has also translated in recent years into greater pressure on NGOs carrying out rescue operations in the Mediterranean.