Today is World Refugee Day, an important moment in the year to reflect on the millions of families living far from their homes because of war or persecution. These families are much like yours or mine.
Around the world there are 70 million refugees who have been displaced by violence within their countries.
Every region of the world is impacted in some way, and today a volatile mix of political, environmental, economic, ethnic and territorial factors combine to trigger conflicts. There are international laws that protect those seeking refuge from violence, and the communities that receive them also provide protection and much needed assistance in practical terms.
More than 85 per cent of refugees are hosted in developing or middle-income countries, with some nations hosting two or three million. This is a significant burden for communities often facing economic challenges themselves, an enormous ask for any country. We are encouraged by those who are leading the way, especially in these challenging times.
Malta, as a small island-nation with limited capacity, makes significant contributions and plays a responsible role, with the Armed Forces saving thousands at sea, and subsequently providing support to those fleeing war or persecution.
While sudden influxes present challenges, we should remember that behind the numbers there are men, women and families, with no other option but to cross the Mediterranean Sea on unseaworthy vessels, risking their lives for a better future. While many are saved, others have died in their attempt to reach safety.
We are encouraged by the government’s policy in setting up an integration framework and promoting social inclusion. The Prime Minister’s comment that “racism has no place in Malta” is commendable.
Refugees are part of Malta’s success and flourishing economy. They are part of our community
Further structural changes are needed on the type of international protection status granted to asylum-seekers, facilitation of access to services, and improvement of employment conditions, to ensure that the government’s inclusion strategy is effective.
Today, many of the refugees living in the local community are working, opening businesses and sending their children to local schools. The perceived economic growth is partly thanks to the refugees and migrants who build the houses and roads, take care of the elderly, collect refuse, clean the streets and offices, drive the taxis, and wash the dishes, cook and work as waiters in restaurants. Refugees are nurses, engineers, shop owners and teachers, among other professions. They are also university students and aspiring graduates who will shape the future.
They are part of Malta’s success and flourishing economy. They are part of our community. This is a story that is not often told.
This year will see new challenges, with the number of asylum-seekers and migrants arriving likely to increase, putting additional pressure on the support system. This will likely fuel toxic rhetoric and scapegoating by some.
The murder of Lassana Cisse Souleyman, and the news that he was shot dead by two, now former, Armed Forces of Malta soldiers, should not be a reflection on the work of the AFM or society as whole, though it should be viewed as a cautionary tale against a hostile environment where refugees and migrants are maligned and dehumanised.
We urge responsible conduct and public discourse when discussing the issue of migration and asylum. This should come from politicians, the media and each one of us. We are heartened that the government is planning to take tough action against those who incite violence towards refugees and migrants.
There needs to be more action and emphasis on diversity within our communities. Global grassroots solidarity is helping to turn intolerance into acceptance and positivity. Unfortunately, these positive steps that so many are taking rarely capture headlines, yet these inspiring stories of compassion and welcome need to be told and shared.
This spirit of participation, of shared responsibility, is enshrined in the UN Global Compact on Refugees adopted by the United National General Assembly last year. The Compact marks a new era of international cooperation and provides a blueprint for better responses; it is a framework for more predictable and equitable responsibility-sharing, recognising that a sustainable solution to refugee situations cannot be achieved without international cooperation. All of us have a part to play, we cannot do it alone.
No step is too small. If we all take a step with refugees – people forced to flee their homes – then together we can make a world of difference.
Kahin Ismail is the representative of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees in Malta.
This is a Times of Malta print opinion piece