The recent Memorandum of Understanding between the Italian and Albanian governments pushes toward "various externalization models", and its measures "significantly increase the risk of exposing refugees, asylum seekers and migrants to a violation of asylum human rights as a potential rapid solution to the complex challenges posed by the arrival of refugees," said the Commissioner of Human Rights of the Council of Europe, Dunja Mijatovic.

Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, President of the Italian Episcopal Conference (CEI), also voiced concern, emphasizing that "externalization cannot be the solution" for migrants.

'Migrants’ human rights at risk'

"The Memorandum of Understanding between Italy and Albania on boat arrivals of migrants and on how to manage the asylum requests was concluded last week. However, it raises multiple concerns in terms of human rights and only adds to the worrisome European trend toward externalization of the responsibilities in terms of asylum requests."

On November 13, Commissioner Mijatovic highlighted this, noting the broader push within Council of Europe Member States for externalization models in response to refugee challenges.

"However, the externalization measures increase significantly the risk that migrants, asylum seekers, and migrants are exposed to in terms of violations of their human rights, noted Mijatovic. The recent deal between Rome and Tirana could contribute to "a domino effect that could undermine the European and global system of international protection," she cautioned.

Also read: Italian PM defends Albania accord amid opposition outcry

'Common and shared action is needed from a united Europe'

Details on asylum centers in Albania are yet incomplete. "We hope that the human rights of the asylum seekers will be respected. We reiterate the need for common and shared action by Europe, (one) in which externalization cannot be the solution," noted Cardinal Matteo Zuppi in his introduction to the CEI’s general assembly which opened on November 13 in Assisi.

"We reaffirm that on the topic of migration a united, and responsible Europe, one which is truly united and supportive, one that does not leave Italy alone. The two flags, the Italian and European one, shown on our buildings, indicated to the citizens that the Union is not an accessory, but rather a way of thinking of Italy, fully itself but also European," he continued.

"This reality, which is tricky to manage politically, is present in the Government and the Parliament, but it must grow in the conscience of the citizens and of the political actors," added the President of CEI, remembering that "great Christians worked on Europe at the end of WWII to overcome conflicts."

Also read: 'Migrants sent from Italy don't worry us' says Albanian Mayor