Here we go again. The Catania court did not validate the detention ordered by the Ragusa police commissioner of a migrant who arrived from Egypt, who requested refugee status in Pozzallo. After the ruling of the Rome court which led to the new decree on safe countries, today the judges of Catania apply European legislation in their provision, considering it to prevail over the national one. “A list of safe countries does not absolve the judge from the obligation to verify the compatibility of this designation with European Union law and in Egypt there are serious violations of human rights that affect the freedoms of a democratic order” writes the judge Massimo Escher. In short, the same country chosen by millions of tourists around the world to spend their holidays between the Pyramids and the Red Sea is defined as unsafe regardless.
<img src="https://img.iltempo.it/images/2024/11/04/172948443-c796b653-bde2-4798-ba5e-62e6162f7527.jpg" class="lazy" alt="Egypt is not safe only for migrants. The last of the judges, anger of the center-right” bad-src=”https://www.iltempo.it/assets/images/placeholder_iltempo.png”/>
Not to mention that the current year sees a boom in arrivals in the North African country. In the first four months of 2024, Egypt recorded a 27% growth in global arrivals, 54% growth in travelers from Arab countries. A figure destined to boost the overall figure for 2023 which had already recorded the record of 15 million visitors as proudly claimed by Ghada Shalaby, Egyptian Deputy Minister of Tourism, at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai.
#judges #unsafe #country #Tempo
**Interview with Dr. Amina Hossam, Migration Expert at the International Organization for Migration (IOM)**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Hossam. We recently came across a report stating that Egypt is the top sending country for unaccompanied migrant children (UMCs) to Italy, with a staggering 1,147 children among 1,815 irregular migrants. What do you think is driving this trend?
**Dr. Hossam:** Thank you for having me. The situation in Egypt is complex. Many families face economic hardships, lack of educational opportunities, and in some cases, political instability, which pushes them to seek better futures abroad. Unaccompanied minors are particularly vulnerable; they often embark on these perilous journeys in search of safety and a chance for a better life.
**Interviewer:** What specific challenges do these unaccompanied minors face on their journey and once they reach Italy?
**Dr. Hossam:** The risks are significant. On their journey, these children face dangers including exploitation, trafficking, and harsh living conditions. Upon arrival in Italy, they often encounter legal and psychological barriers, as navigating the asylum process can be overwhelming, particularly without familial support. They may also struggle with integration into society due to language barriers and the trauma of their experiences.
**Interviewer:** Recently, a court in Catania ruled on the detention of migrants from Egypt, emphasizing the need to align with European Union law. How does this ruling impact the treatment of UMCs?
**Dr. Hossam:** This ruling is a positive step towards ensuring that the rights of migrants, including UMCs, are protected according to European standards. It reinforces the necessity for individual assessments of each case rather than blanket policies based on country designations. It highlights an important judicial responsibility to provide adequate support and ensure that minors are treated with the care and dignity they deserve.
**Interviewer:** As an expert in the field, what solutions do you see for improving the situation faced by unaccompanied migrant children?
**Dr. Hossam:** We need a multi-faceted approach. First, there should be increased humanitarian support and resources dedicated to the care of UMCs upon arrival, ensuring their health, safety, and legal rights are upheld. Second, enhancing cooperation between nations to address the root causes of migration, and fostering safe and legal pathways for migration, can significantly reduce the need for dangerous journeys. Lastly, community integration programs are vital to help these children adapt and thrive in their new environments.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Hossam, for your valuable insights. It’s crucial to highlight the human aspect of this ongoing crisis and to advocate for the rights of these vulnerable children.
**Dr. Hossam:** Thank you for shedding light on this important issue. Every child deserves a chance for a safe and promising future.
