LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (MNA/ITALPRESS) – Several Maltese NGOs has condemned the government’s crackdown on third country nationals in Malta, stating that such actions “create a climate of fear and insecurity” and violate the fundamental principle that “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights” as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This comes as dozens of Ethiopian nationals who have lived and worked legally in the country for up to 19 years are facing sudden arrest and deportation. This action, part of a broader crackdown on third-country nationals, has drawn sharp criticism from human rights organisations and legal experts who warn of potential human rights violations and a disturbing shift towards authoritarian practices. Many of those affected have built families and contributed to the Maltese economy for nearly two decades. One Ethiopian community member, who arrived in Malta as an unaccompanied minor in 2005, expressed his distress: “Malta is my home. We have worked, paid our taxes and not caused trouble. Now we are being treated like criminals. Like animals”. A coalition of NGOs has expressed deep concern over the State’s treatment of these vulnerable individuals. In a joint statement, the NGOs condemned the arrests, arguing that such actions create a “climate of fear and insecurity” not only among the Ethiopian community but also among other marginalised groups in Malta. The NGOs underlined that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 1, clearly states that “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.” They assert that the treatment of these Ethiopians is a direct violation of this fundamental principle. The coalition has called on the Maltese Government to “immediately halt these inhumane practices” and to uphold the basic human rights of all individuals, regardless of their nationality or immigration status. The Office of the Commissioner for Children has urged the government to “proceed with caution,” emphasising that children born or raised in Malta “only know Malta as their home” and should not live in fear of deportation. The Commissioner called for the regularisation of status for settled migrant families to safeguard children’s fundamental rights. The government’s actions appear to be driven by public opinion rather than sound policy. Prime Minister Robert Abela recently admitted that the clampdown on third-country nationals was a response to public concerns, despite previous government claims about the need for foreign labour to meet market demands.(ITALPRESS).
Foto: Agenzia Fotogramma
