Brussels, 08/07/2010 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 6 July, three GUE/NGL members of the European Parliament (EP), Rui Tavares, Marie-Christine Vergiat and Miguel Portas demanded that the competent European commissioner and representatives of the Libyan authorities be called before the EP civil liberties committee and human rights sub-committee.
They are concerned at the situation of 250 Eritrean citizens sent by Italy to Libya. On 30 June, the immigrants were forcibly removed from the Misratah detention centre on the Libyan coast and taken to the Braq centre in the Sahara desert. It is claimed they were beaten and deprived of water and food, and that many need emergency care. The MEPs say that this forced removal was “punishment” after they tried to escape from the Misratah centre on the evening of 29 June. “This is a matter of life and death: these refugees have already been maltreated and face an even more cruel fate. It would be unforgiveable if the European Parliament did nothing,” they state, claiming that the Eritreans could face torture or maltreatment, in an area where, furthermore, day-time temperatures go above 50°.
The European Council on Refugees and Exiles (ECRE), a network of 69 refugee-support organisations, and the Italian Council for Refugees (CIR) are pointing the finger of blame at European authorities. They say that the migrants are suffering the consequences of Italy's violation of its legal obligations and of member states' “silent acquiescence”. They are pleading for the migrants not to be returned to Eritrea, where they risk being tortured or mistreated. “We strongly repeat our plea to the Italian government to resettle the refugees in Italy.” Italy began returning migrants intercepted at sea to Libya almost a year ago, “without making any provision for their protection”, the associations say.
The MEPs' request comes as the European Commission is conducting negotiations with the Libyan authorities on a cooperation agreement on various issues, including asylum and immigration. In 2009, fewer than 18,000 sought asylum in Italy, compared with almost 30,000 in 2008, a fall of 42%. (J.I./transl.rt)