Very worrisome developments in Italy:
The loss of so many lives in the recent shipwreck. The new immigration laws that strip away rights. The crackdown on Search and Rescue NGOs.
I have arrived at Lampedusa, followed by Rome to assess the situation on the ground. 🧵
🐦🔗: https://n.respublicae.eu/Tineke_Strik/status/1658035551914676230
With the Cutro shipwreck tragedy still fresh in mind, I'll meet with @SeaWatchItaly to discuss the criminalisation of their operations. And I'll speak with the Italian coastguard, Frontex and the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre about their search and rescue coordination. 2/
🐦🔗: https://n.respublicae.eu/Tineke_Strik/status/1658036241655382016
In Rome, I will speak with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs about Italy's cooperation on migration with third countries like Libya, Tunisia & Egypt. I remain highly concerned about Italy's EU-funded cooperation with Libyan actors who commit crimes against humanity. 4/
🐦🔗: https://n.respublicae.eu/Tineke_Strik/status/1658036466797236227
None of these issues can ultimately be solved without a humane EU response rooted in solidarity and fundamental rights.
Stay tuned for live updates of my encounters this week.
5/5
🐦🔗: https://n.respublicae.eu/Tineke_Strik/status/1658036751900737536
As asylum seekers continue to arrive in Lampedusa, I plan to assess the reception conditions on the island. I'll also meet with local authorities & NGOs to discuss the functioning of the asylum system and the impact of the new immigration and NGO criminalisation decrees. 3/
🐦🔗: https://n.respublicae.eu/Tineke_Strik/status/1658036341970485250