Italy’s government must show human compassion

When Rome seeks assistance, it should be treated the same as it treated refugees in need

Sadly, it appears as if the new government in Italy has little heart when it comes to providing humanitarian aid or respecting the long-standing law of the sea conventions when it comes to providing help to refugees stranded on the Mediterranean. Some 631 refugees were rescued from the high seas off the southern Mediterranean as the motley human cargo fleeing violence and civil unrest in the Sahel, the Levant and across the Middle East tried to make its way to France.

Italy, however, refused to take those on board the Aquarius in for processing, and for three days they were left adrift cast aside on the seas like flotsam and jetsam until Spain opened its hearts and ports to those refugees. Sadly, this episode speaks to the changing attitude in Italy now — and elsewhere across Europe for those who are desolate and desperate.

While seeking power, the Northern League said it wanted to return 500,000 refugees from Italy, and now that it has gained power through a tenuous coalition deal with the 5-Star Movement, it has shown that it has a callous and cruel disregard for the suffering of refugees. This is a shameful first impression of the new government, and it is one that governments and leaders around the world will make silent note of and act accordingly.

When it comes to seeking improved terms from the European Union for its failing and debt-ridden economy, the lack of compassion from the government in Rome should be duly noted. When Italy asks for assistance, it should get the same as it doled out to those on the Aquarius.