The Italian Navy ship Libra successfully transported 16 migrants from Egypt and Bangladesh to the Albanian port of Shengjin on Wednesday morning, marking the first operation under a controversial new asylum agreement between Italy and Albania. This agreement, signed in November 2023, allows Italy to process asylum applications in Albania, a move hailed by some European leaders but criticized by human rights organizations as a violation of international law. Upon arrival, the migrants will be registered in temporary facilities before being moved to the Gjader camp, where they will submit their asylum applications and await decisions from Italian authorities. If their applications are denied, provisions have been made for their return to their countries of origin.
The initiative has sparked a mix of reactions, with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni praising it as a model for European migration policy, while critics argue it undermines the rights of refugees. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has also expressed interest in the model, suggesting it could serve as a template for managing migration flows in the EU. However, NGOs like SOS Humanity have condemned the agreement, stating it effectively detains migrants without proper judicial review and compromises their fundamental rights.
- The migrants, all adult males, were intercepted in international waters south of Lampedusa before being transferred to the Libra ship. They underwent initial health screenings and identification procedures upon arrival in Albania. The Gjader camp, intended to host these migrants, is designed to accommodate up to 1,000 individuals initially, with plans to expand capacity to 3,000 over time. Critics of the agreement highlight the ethical implications of outsourcing asylum processing to a third country, raising concerns about the adequacy of protections for vulnerable populations seeking refuge in Europe.
- The debate surrounding this agreement reflects broader tensions in Europe regarding migration management, with various member states exploring different approaches to handle the influx of migrants and asylum seekers. The Italian government’s strategy aims to deter illegal crossings and manage the flow of migrants more effectively, but it faces significant backlash from human rights advocates who argue that such measures could lead to human rights abuses.
