The Island of hope

Malta, a welcoming land and integration model. This is what emerged during the European Conference of Justice and Peace on "Arab Spring one year on" held in Rabat, September 14-16. The Conference addressed the causes and consequences of these revolutionary movements. Among the consequences, migration flow increase which is affecting Europe and especially Malta. In the last year, the island has had to address an emergency situation. This was the picture given by evidence gathered by the Commission that visited Reception Centres and meeting places for the island’s minorities. Lyster Barack Detention Centre. A group visited the Lyster Barack Centre, which is the first landing place for all immigrants who reach the island, except for pregnant women or those who need hospital care. It is divided into 5 areas, with a total of 400 people with up to 18 month stay. On the deadline if the guests of the centre are not granted a refugee status they are forced to go back to their country. The repatriation can also occur by choice. Even if those who manage the centre have tried on one hand to highlight the good conditions offered to the detainees they still live in a situation of limited freedom. "Many guests suffer from mental disorders, because after a terrible trip, where they witnessed the death of their companions and suffered hunger and thirst- the visiting spokesperson said- they end up in a camp that resembles a prison". Welcoming Centre Marca. Was founded in 2005 to accommodate up to 300 people and is managed by a Non-governmental organization (NGO). It is a transition place where immigrants, coming mainly from Somalia and Eritrea, can stay from 3 to 18 months, before starting an integration path in the civil society. "During their stay, they are entitled to healthcare assistance and can attend training courses to facilitate their entrance into the labour market, even if in fact they end up finding seasonal and underpaid jobs", the group’s spokesperson said.The Good Shepherd Sisters Help Centre. This centre hosts immigrants with serious physical, mental and psychological problems caused by the long trip to reach Europe. 172 beds are available. It is the centre’s aim to accept only a restricted number of guests in order to provide best quality services, also as far as education and training. The centre’s director, father Alfred Vella, stressed how immigration increase, together with consequences of the global financial crisis, led to a surge in the number of cases of xenophobia and racism. "The integration process must be addressed at various levels and – the delegation spokesperson who visited the centre concludes – it is important for the Christian Church to speak up". Some NGOs and the Jsr Group lcune (Jesuit Refugee Service). The visits showed how the situation in Malta changed, especially after the Dublin Convention and the agreement between Italy and Tunis. "The Island has had to address a disproportionate number of immigrants – the group spokesperson explained- but notwithstanding all the issues linked to poor economic resources the humanitarian response has been excellent".The Muslim Community. "There are more than 7 thousand Muslims in the island, most of whom come from Eritrea and Somalia", said the Imam in Malta, who welcomed a delegation of the European Justice and Peace Commission. For Muslims it is very important to feel part of a society without having to giving up ones own identity, and this is why young Muslims attend Koranic school, study Arab but have Maltese teachers. Even if there is discrimination, there is also the will to work on a steady and fruitful dialogue with other communities. The Imam showed a picture taken inside the mosque during a ceremony with the Archbishop of Malta. As many conference participants pointed out, the fact still remains that "the burden of immigration should be equally shared among EU countries. Furthermore Help Centres for immigration should receive more funding and aid to work best".