Immigrants' human dignity 'should be protected'

The Curia's Justice and Peace Commission said yesterday that the incidents at Safi detention camp on Thursday were a source of concern over the country's commitment to the protection of the human dignity of the foreigners who sought shelter here and were detained while their cases were heard.

The commission said every policy measure and action had to be measured against its impact on the human person, particularly those who were most vulnerable.

The violent incidents, the danger of a further fuelling of racisim, and the need for greater security for those who worked and lived at the detention centres demanded of the authorities choices which led to social justice. The inquiry ordered by the government was a positive step in this direction.

The commission observed that over the past few weeks the people had shown an outpouring of solidarity with people who lived far from Malta. It was now time for the traditional hospitality and generosity of the Maltese people to also be shown in Malta itself.

The commission said it would work with all other institutions in the dialogue on a national policy on the refugees.

The statement was distributed by Charles Buttigieg, the Curia's public relations officer, who is also Commissioner for Refugees.