The arrival of irregular migrants and the advocating of a push-back policy exacerbated the prevailing situation of discrimination towards African migrants, the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality said this morning.

In a statement, it said this policy was intrinsically discriminatory, particularly in respect to the right of life and safety for all.

“The NCPE believes that just as the Government has been a promoter of positive changes in matters relating to other grounds of discrimination, such as sexual orientation, its policies in relation to migration should be equally sensitive.

“The phenomenon of irregular migration policies that address irregular migration should also reflect an unwavering commitment towards the respect and upholding of the fundamental rights and intrinsic human dignity of every human being irrespective of race or ethnicity.

“It is the firm view of NCPE that any decisions taken to tackle the issue of irregular migration should not include any push back measures.”

The NCPE said it will continue to support and promote initiatives undertaken by the Government to combat discrimination on the grounds of race.

It acknowledged that more work was needed in this regard, particularly in challenging mentalities that disregarded the human dignity of every person, as well as the fundamental human rights of all individuals.

The commission encouraged the Government to take positive measures to counter expressions of racial hatred that manifested themselves, particularly on blogs and online newspapers.