Dear Ambassador Lacy Swing,
Mr. Federico Soda,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Thank you for bringing this process to a conclusion. The IOM and UNHCR report is now in your hands, for its proposed recommendations and potential inputs to become tangible realities. The report aims at improving the lives of separated and unaccompanied children in Malta, but also in finding ways to offer additional support to services which are already in place, and respond to the demands placed on these same services.
The IOM-UNHCR technical mission confirmed to us all that a multi-stakeholder approach can create synergies and stimulate creative solutions to a situation which may feel overwhelming for our small Islands. Cooperation is crucial for the wellbeing of those seeking asylum in our country, those who are providing services, and for all who live in Malta. I am delighted that San Anton Palace has offered this space, the possibility for all stakeholders working within this field to exchange views, and reach this stage, resulting in the concrete proposals that now require follow-up.
As a country, together with IOM and UNHCR, we are showing our commitment towards responding to the human tragedy unfolding in our seas. We are not only deeply concerned at the loss of life taking place around us, but responding to this plight. Though our resources are limited, we have together created a possibility to identify and mobilize additional resources, and a possibility for more synergies between the various entities, to prepare for potential emergency scenarios.
The IOM and UNHCR report now in your hands is a proposed way forward, opening up new possibilities for the Maltese Government and civil society to renew their relationship with both IOM and UNHCR, seeking fresh methods for closer collaboration, and alleviating pressure from local services while keeping the well-being of asylum seekers always in mind.
Finally, I want to thank all stakeholders involved within this process for making this report possible. I want to thank Ambassador William Lacy Swing for his visit and for giving the process preceding this report and the report itself such great importance. I want to thank High Commissioner Antonio Guterres who expressed his full support for the creation of this report. He joined us in Malta last month, and though he could not be present today, sent us a recorded message. I want to thank the Prime Minister, Ministers, and Government officials who generously participated throughout. I want to thank civil society for their participation and critical views that have enriched our discussions. Finally, I want to thank the Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society and my office, who tirelessly worked to make today’s meeting a reality.
I augur that the IOM-UNHCR report, Unaccompanied Migrant and Refugee Children Alternatives to Detention in Malta, shall be a milestone for the wellbeing of all our society. May this report inspire further initiatives focused on the wellbeing of unaccompanied children, for durable solutions to be identified and commonly agreed upon and for the various entities and organisations working in the field to collaborate in a coordinated way.
I also hope that migrants themselves become even more participative within similar processes and for these to become even more democratically inclusive. All asylum seekers, including unaccompanied and separated children, bring with them a number of opportunities for our countries. May their future be bright, because these are our children too. My wish is that they shall enjoy their childhood today. Moreover, may they develop their full potential within their host country, and may they one day, also become key players working for the peace, political and economic stability, so needed in their countries of origin.
I reaffirm my commitment to support all those working to secure the affirmation of rights and facilitation of inclusion. To achieve this I look to my Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society in the confidence that together we will carry on with our work striving towards the wellbeing of all migrants in Malta, particularly looking at the wellbeing of asylum seekers and separated and unaccompanied children.
Photo Caption:
The President of Malta Marie Louise Coleiro Preca and the Director General of the IOM, Ambassador William Lacy Swing.