Michelle Bachelet, High Commissioner for Human Rights, has announced the deployment of observers to Italy to monitor violence against migrants.
"The European Union should be encouraged to introduce a search and rescue operation for migrants in the Mediterranean Sea, as well as to ensure that access to political asylum and the protection of human rights is guaranteed." On the contrary, "the Italian government has denied entry to its ports to the ships of non-governmental organisations. These kinds of policies have devastating consequences for people who are already vulnerable."
These were the words of Michelle Bachelet, since 1 September the new United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, in the speech with which she inaugurated her mandate. The Chilean official added that "although the number of migrants crossing the Mediterranean has fallen, the mortality rate among those attempting this dangerous journey is even higher than before."
An across-the-board rejection, then, of the choices made by the government of Giuseppe Conte. "Placing the deportation of migrants as the priority – Bachelet stressed – without ensuring that human rights obligations are upheld, cannot constitute a guarantee of protection" for these people. This is because the European Commission itself "has recently acknowledged that Libya does not represent a safe place for returns."
In the North African country, indeed, "migrants continue to be exposed to killings, deprivation of liberty, torture, sexual violence, forced labour and extortion by both local and non-local actors." In a situation "of total impunity." Therefore, "deliberately sending men, women and children into the face of such risks is an unworthy act." The High Commissioner then expressed her intention to send observers to Austria "in order to monitor developments in the area." And also to Italy, "to monitor the reported increase in acts of violence and racism against migrants, people of African origin and Roma." But Michelle Bachelet also cited, and described as "worrying", the recent incidents that took place in Germany.
Foreign Minister Enzo Moavero Milanesi responded to Michelle Bachelet's words, describing her statements regarding Italy as "inappropriate, unfounded and unjust." "For years – the Farnesina added – we have been engaged in rescue and lifesaving operations for people in the Mediterranean Sea, which have been and continue to be followed by demanding and complex policies of initial reception on national territory."
