UN's Türk calls on Italy to end 'tough' line on migrants

(ANSA) - ROME, APR 14 - UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk has called on the Italian government to drop the hard line it has adopted on migrants amid a sharp increase in the number of people landing in Italy after crossing the Mediterranean.
    Türk commented on this week's decision by Premier Giorgia Meloni's government to declare a State of Emergency over migrant arrivals to make it easier to manage the situation. "Any new policies under the State of Emergency need to be in line with Italy's human rights obligations," Türk said.
    The High Commissioner also "implored" Rome to abandon the decree it passed earlier this year to regulate the activities of NGO-run search-and-rescue ships in the Mediterranean.
    Under the decree, NGO-run ships must immediately request the authorities assign them a port of safety after making a rescue, rather than staying at sea to help other people.
    They risk big fines and the impoundment of the ships if they fail to comply.
    Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi has said the NGO ships act as a "pull" factor and encourage migrant-boat crossings.
    Türk's statement said this "tough new law... restricts civilian search and rescue operations" and said the government should "refrain from criminalizing those involved in the provision of life-saving assistance".
    It also had praise for Italy though.
    It "applauded the efforts of the Italian coastguard who have rescued some 2,000 people since (last) Friday".
    It said some 31,300 migrants have arrived in Italy so far in 2023, up from around 7,900 in the same period last year.
    "Now is the time for solidarity with Italy and enhanced cooperation to safeguard the protection of the human rights of all people on the move," Türk said, calling on the EU Member States to coordinate on migration governance. (ANSA).