Abuse of migrant detainees in Malta

In the beginning of February, the local activist and blogger, Manuel Delia, reported abuse and torture of the migrants in Maltese detention centers bringing attention to the issue of the unfair and unsustainable measures and facilities. Delia shared the information from many sources, including some anonymous voices, claiming that detention centers, particularly the Lyster and Safi barracks, have not provided a safe and protective environment in regard to asylum seekers’ integration into the society around them (Delia, 2021).

The detainees have reported being tortured, beaten, denied medical care, and in some cases electrocuted (as punishment or to install fear in them) by the local staff and authorities (Delia, 2021). Furthermore, a scandal erupted over allegations that migrants tried to commit suicide to attract attention to their conditions (MacGregor, 2021a).

Local Maltese authorities, with a representative at the interior ministry in Malta, have denied having received reports of physical abuse of migrants in detention centers while the European Asylum Support Office (EASO) claimed receiving reports of physical torture from migrants detained in the country (MacGregor, 2021a).

What has been done?

As previously mentioned, there are two main sides that have been sharing information on the allegations about torture reports made by the refuges, the local authorities and the EASO. In addition, Council of Europe’s Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) had previously established annual checks on the detention facilities. Inspections took place in 2008, 2011, and 2015 concluding interviews with detainees in Safi detention center, reporting no complaints of torture by the migrants. However, in September 2020, the CPT paid an unscheduled visit to the Safi and Lyster barracks. The results of the visit were reported directly to the Maltese authorities, along with some observations for immediate action (Council of Europe, 2020). With no concrete data about the torture, reports have not been released to the public (Delia, 2021).

What is the resolution?

The allegations made by the refugees have a place to be heard and thoroughly investigated, as well as to be proceeded by an adequate decision-taking process. At this point, some steps have been taken although not all have included organizing a connective and obligating report system between the local authorities and agencies, such as the CPT or EASO.

The Maltese local authorities are known for hesitating with the integration of migrants and receiving refugees on their national territory. However, the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak could, partially, explain the atrocious inconsistency in the agencies’ systems since 2020. During 2020, Malta declared that the pandemic made it unsafe for rescued migrants to disembark at its port, which resulted in ships being denied permission to dock and people being detained on ferries off the Maltese coast. This was heavily criticized by rights groups like Amnesty International, which accused Malta of using the virus as a pretext to neglect the necessary action (MacGregor, 2021b).

The situation makes it worthwhile wondering whether nations, that have historically faced difficult challenges by receiving migrants and refugees, more often tend to neglect and mistreat them. If this is the case for Malta, one would think that the European Union (EU) has an obligation to put pressure on the Maltese authorities to act more in accordance with EU values and international human rights standards, while also offer support to foster better conditions for the Maltese people and for migrants. If Malta cannot live up to EU standards regarding migrants and refugees, who have risked their lives in hopes of a better one, it is fair to expect further investigation as well as alternative and better solutions for migrants, otherwise, headed towards Malta.