A rally in memory of the thousands of refugees who died due to “Malta’s bloody politics” trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea was held by 47 public organizations on the island, the Times of Malta reported on February 5.
Protesters laid out thousands of assorted pairs of shoes, including children’s shoes, on the Valletta shoreline to remember the thousands of people who died at sea and received no assistance.
Last year, more than 1,300 men, women and children died or went missing near Malta, and more than 25,000 people have died since 2014, Dursa Mama said on behalf of the activists, scientists, writers, journalists and social workers who supported the action. .
“The continued failure of the Maltese government to meet its search and rescue responsibilities is contributing to this death toll, putting their lives in danger,” — Mama said, adding that in 2022, local authorities ignored distress calls from more than 20,000 people on the high seas.
He noted that 413 ships with refugees that ended up in the Maltese-controlled sea zone received assistance, with the government paying attention to only three ships.
“People in distress in our waters must be rescued without delay. Despite Minister Byron Camilleri’s claim to ‘defend our kingdom’, government decisions to delay and prevent rescue lead directly to loss of life at sea.” added mom.
Action participants called on the Government of Malta to reconsider its approach to migration and to engage with those who support migrants, asylum seekers and refugees.
Source: Rossa Primavera
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