The time has come for Italy to radically change its migration policies, particularly its rescue at sea missions, and to actively promote women's rights, Mijatovic urged in an interview with ANSA on June 26.

In response, the EU Affairs Minister in the Italian government, Raffaele Fitto, said he was "angry and incredulous", and stressed that "We will not accept lessons from those who, while comfortably sitting on their sofas, take the liberty to look at our country and judge it ... ."

He added that "Italy has often been left on its own while handling with a great sense of sacrifice the rescue and shelter of thousands of migrants, and it continues to do it every day, in accordance with international law and the dignity of those who arrive in our country," declared the minister.

Speaking to ANSA, Mijatovic said that "Italy is not doing its part in rescue missions of those crossing the Mediterranean."

And if this were not enough, she pointed out, the new laws and measures, for example the indication of where to have migrants disembark, it is also making the activity of NGOs more complicated, she said.

Another critical point, according to the EU Commissioner, regards the so-called externalization of the management of migration flows given to non-democratic countries.

"The agreement with Libya began a long time ago, but have we seen an improvement? No. Have we seen the Libyan coast guard improve in its treatment of migrants? No, people are still being detained, tortured and they die," underscored Mijatovic.

In her opinion "this job was given to others," not just by Italy but by Europe, "saying that it is to stop human traffickers, even if it is not only about this," does not solve the problems but rather "generates additional suffering."

Also read: International law and the criminalization of sea rescue

Italy's solitude and the humanity of Lampedusa

The Commissioner believes that Italy, like other countries, has been left alone to face migration flows. "The way in which some countries are left alone and the way that migrants who do not come from Ukraine are treated is very problematic," said Mijatovic.

"Solidarity among Member States is missing and what is also missing is an agreement over legal and secure paths, humanitarian corridors, search, and rescue missions," she added.

Lampedusa, with its inhabitants and its mayor, were acting as a counterpoint in this situation, Mijatovic said.

"Their extraordinary humanity must be an example for all of us," noted Mijatovic.

Despite all the obstacles and difficulties, the fact of feeling abandoned "by the world, by Italy, by numerous Governments," commented the EU Commissioner, these people continue to welcome those who arrive on the island.

During her visit Mijatovic put the spotlight also on the situation for women, calling for change in this case as well.

"In Italy, there exists a true gap between written laws and the reality on the ground", regarding the daily lives of women, observes the EU Commissioner. One of the questions that are most worrisome is the disparity of services between one region and the other, for example, in the shelter centers that host victims of violence or access to abortion.

"I cannot accept that on these issues government replies that this is the responsibility of the regions," concluded Mijatovic.