Candlelight vigil this evening for those who died seeking asylum in Europe

● ‘Ongoing loss of life in the Mediterranean must never be normalised’

A group of humanitarianminded people calling themselves ‘Ports of Hope’ will be holding a candlelight vigil this evening at Marsamxett Harbour, Valletta to remember those who have died, to acknowledge those who continue to make the journey in their hope of seeking asylum in Europe.

The vigil’s organisers will also deliver a message to those “who enact deadly policies in our name: we will not turn away, we are watching, and we and history will hold you to account”.

Ports of Hope is a group of individuals who feel the need to provide a space and opportunity to remember those who have lost their lives in their desperate effort to cross the Mediterranean Sea, hoping to seek asylum, to reach security and a better tomorrow.

“The horrific loss of life in the Mediterranean continues - somebody’s child, parent, brother, sister, friend, spouse. Their lives mattered to their loved ones, and they matter to us. Respect towards life and the innate dignity of each and every human being need to remain central in political disputes and political discourse, in the search of solutions for this human tragedy.” The group observed how, “The reasons people flee their homes and are forced to risk their own lives, are diverse. “Addressing the complex and multifaceted dynamics of contemporary mass displacement, demands a contemporary response grounded in solidarity and respect for the life and dignity of every human being.

“Solidarity, first and foremost, with the displaced but also with humanitarian actors, between member states, and with the countries of origin and transit. Bullying and intimidation demonstrates weakness and unjustified fear. It has not, and will not, achieve anything beyond more pain, more anger, more suffering, and the unnecessary and avoidable loss of life.

“Europe must find solutions that honour life and not facilitate death.

“More than a thousand lives have been lost this year alone. This ongoing tragedy must not go on and it must never be normalised. Death should not be an accepted side effect of seeking asylum.”

The vigil’s participants will be meeting this evening at Marsamxett Harbour, Valletta a little bit further up from Maori at 7.30pm.