Eritrean priest and activist for migrant rights Father Mussie Zerai has urged the Italian government to help migrants fleeing Libya who would like to come to Italy.
"During a pandemic, no port can be considered safe and especially not that of Libya, which is at war and also affected by COVID-19," the Eritrean priest and activist for migrant rights Father Mussie Zerai wrote in an appeal Friday to Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte.
Italy on Wednesday had closed its ports to NGO-run migrant-rescue ships because the coronavirus crisis means they can no longer be classified as places of safety. The foreign, interior, transport and health ministers signed a decree to this effect valid for the entire period of the emergency.
"At this time difficult for everyone," Zerai added, "more solidarity is needed for those fleeing the war and Libyan lagers, who leave the coast full of the hope of landing in a place known for millennia for its solidarity, humanity, and justice."
"We are confident," the Eritrean priest continued in addressing the prime minister, "that you will find a solution thanks to your ability to mediate within the Cabinet to prevent the pointless lengthening of the suffering of those asking for help in the high seas of our Mediterranean Sea."
IOM calls for EU solidarity
On Thursday, April 9, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) underscored that ''migrants continue to attempt the Mediterranean crossing, fleeing violence, abuse and poverty amid heightened concern over the COVID-19 pandemic'' and called on ''all states to uphold international obligations and exercise an inclusive, shared approach to these continued movements."
The organization noted that at least six boats had departed from Libya carrying roughly 500 people since the beginning of the month.
'Saving human lives must be the priority'
IOM said in a statement that: ''International maritime law and human rights obligations must be upheld during the COVID-19 emergency. The crisis should strengthen our collective resolve to preserve life, protect rights and find common, adaptable solutions to the challenges that affect us all.''
It added that it ''reaffirms its conviction that saving lives must remain the number one priority as we face today's challenges together on multiple fronts. European support and solidarity with countries receiving migrants is needed to ensure that people rescued at sea are swiftly and safely disembarked. The same COVID-19 health and safety protocol should be applied to all disembarkations including NGO search and rescue vessels."