Recent developments in Italy have sparked outrage among human rights groups. It has recently become official that Italy has signed an agreement with Albania in which thousands of third-country migrants could be transferred to the latter.
The agreement was spearheaded by Matteo Salvini, Italy’s hardline Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for the Interior. He signed the memorandum of understanding with his counterpart, Edi Rama, the Albanian Prime Minister.
The migrants that will be transferred are mainly from Africa who have entered Italy via the Mediterranean Sea after crossing the dangerous waters from Libya. While the intention of the deal appears to be aimed at reducing the burden on Italian towns and cities by dispersing the migrants among other European countries, it has been met with condemnation by international human rights organizations.
The agreement is allegedly in violation of the Dublin Regulation of the European Union, which states that asylum seekers must submit their applications in the first EU country they enter. Allowing Italy to send these asylum seekers to another European country would create a dangerous precedent for other states to similarly overlook the law.
In addition, sending the migrants to Albania, a non-European and economically disadvantaged country, increases the potential for human rights abuses against the migrants. Albania, unlike Italy, is unable to provide the assistance that is expected of a EU country. Many fear that deregulation and a lack of enforcement of human rights will starve the migrants of the protection they are afforded in the EU.
Rights groups have denounced the deal, accusing the parties of complacently disregarding the rights of the individuals involved. Going forward, it remains to be seen whether further agreements of this type will be instated, or if Italy can be held accountable to the regulations of the EU.
