Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, is considering the possibility of sending asylum seekers to Albania as part of a potential offshoring scheme. This decision comes as he prepares to hold a mini summit with Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to discuss the issue of irregular migration and asylum processing.
Exploring Offshoring Options
After cancelling the UK’s controversial deal with Rwanda, which was established by the previous Tory government at a cost of £700 million to taxpayers, Sir Keir is now open to exploring similar schemes in European countries. Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz recently decided to utilize the facilities in Rwanda that were initially paid for by the UK to deal with asylum seekers in his own country.
During a press briefing before his trip to Rome, Sir Keir mentioned his interest in observing how Italy’s deal with Albania functions in terms of offshoring the processing of asylum claims. When asked specifically about the Italy-Albania scheme, he stated, “Let’s see. It’s early days. I’m interested in how that works, I think everybody else is. It’s very very early days.”
Criticism and Concerns
The Italian plan to establish camps for asylum seekers in Albania has faced criticism from organizations like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International. This approach involves holding up to 3,000 people in these camps, raising concerns about human rights violations and the potential for arbitrary detention.
Human Rights Watch’s associate director for Europe, Judith Sunderland, expressed concerns about Italy’s offshoring strategy, stating, “Italy’s latest gambit to offshore its responsibilities is all but guaranteed to violate people’s rights.” She highlighted the breach of fundamental principles of rescue at sea, asylum rights, and freedom from arbitrary detention.
Amnesty International has raised alarm about human rights conditions in Albania, pointing to issues such as the killing of journalists, lack of fair trial rights, violence in prisons, discrimination against the LGBT+ community, and violence against women and girls. The organization also highlighted concerns about the impact that offshoring asylum processing could have on the human rights of refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants.
Discussions on Irregular Migration
As record numbers of asylum seekers continue to attempt crossings of the English Channel on small boats, Sir Keir emphasized the importance of addressing irregular migration during his upcoming summit with Italy’s Prime Minister. He noted that each country faces different challenges when it comes to managing migration flows.
In his discussions with various European leaders, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron, Sir Keir highlighted the need for joint operations and cooperation to address the issue of irregular migration. He mentioned specific concerns about the flow of boats’ engines through Germany, as well as challenges on the northern coast of France.
Collaborative Efforts and Joint Operations
Sir Keir expressed his commitment to working with Prime Minister Meloni on improving joint operations to tackle irregular migration. He acknowledged her strong ideas on the topic and indicated that they would discuss potential strategies to enhance cooperation between their respective countries.
The prime minister emphasized the importance of seizing opportunities to disrupt human trafficking networks and prevent dangerous crossings. By collaborating with Italy and other European partners, he aims to develop more effective measures to address irregular migration and ensure the safety and security of asylum seekers.
Moving Forward
As discussions on offshoring asylum processing continue, it is essential to consider the human rights implications of such schemes. Transparency, accountability, and respect for international law must guide decisions related to asylum seekers and irregular migration.
The upcoming summit between Keir Starmer and Giorgia Meloni presents an opportunity for constructive dialogue and collaboration on finding sustainable solutions to the challenges posed by irregular migration. By working together and engaging with relevant stakeholders, both leaders can make progress in addressing the complex issues surrounding asylum processing and migration management.
