Bishops Scicluna and Grech call for concrete solution to migration phenomenon

Archbishop Charles Scicluna and Gozo Bishop Mario Grech yesterday called for concrete solutions to the migration phenomenon in the Mediterranean.

The recent events, with migrants on board NGO vessels being refused entry into several ports – including Malta, are of serious concern. Europe is closing its doors, rather than opening them, to being risking their lives at sea.

“During this festive period, when it is easy for us to be alienated, we are dutybound to reiterate the appeal we made last June for the leaders of our nation, together with those of the European Union, to offer concrete solutions to the phenomenon of immigration in the Mediterranean Sea,” the Bishops said.

“The developments of these last few days concerning those who were on board the vessel Open Arms and those presently on board the vessel Sea Watch 3, present an invitation to Malta and other European countries to express solidarity in a concrete manner. It is a source of great concern for us that, instead of helping, Europe is refusing to offer shelter; when doors are shut rather than opened to those on the open sea. At the same time, we recognise the efforts of the Maltese authorities to help the mother and her infant child who were brought to Malta by our Armed Forces.

“As a people, because of the small size and also because of the strategic geographical position of our country, we have always understood and promoted international solidarity and this is what we need to do in this present situation as well. What use is it for Christians to recall the birth of a child if they do not seek to save these people: our human brothers and sisters? What use is it for society to promote life while choosing to abandon human beings to face death at sea? As we recall the need for solidarity, we understand that we are also committing ourselves to show this same solidarity to those who urgently need help because they are fleeing a cruel environment that violently scorns human dignity; they are fleeing a cruel fate of slavery and even torture and death.

“We bishops, whilst understanding the complexity and sensitivity of both the problems as well as the solutions associated with immigration, urge our leaders to make courageous choices that are always in favour of life, and we also encourage a solidarity that expresses itself not only in words or monetary donations, but through concrete actions.”

The developments of these last few days concerning those who were on board the vessel Open Arms and those presently on board the vessel Sea Watch 3, present an invitation to Malta and European countries to express solidarity in a concrete manner. It is a source of great concern for us that, instead of helping, Europe is refusing to offer shelter; when doors are shut rather than opened to those on the open sea