News • 10 November 2002

Jesuits call for improvements in asylum system

B’kara: The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) yesterday urged the authorities to immediately put in place improvements in the asylum system to ensure all those who need protection will get it.

JRS director Fr Pierre Grech Marguerat said: "In the recommendations, we raise specific concerns and make practical suggestions about how to tackle them…Malta has clear international obligations to protect all who will face persecution and other violations of human rights should they be returned to their country.

"We have to be extremely serious in the way we handle asylum seekers. To refuse protection could mean to send someone back to face torture and death."

The recommendations include provision of accurate information on their legal status and position when arriving in the country, and information for asylum seekers to be able to receive adequate protection. This would also include access to the United Nations’ High Commissioner for Refugees.

Fr Marguerat said the JRS was preoccupied about the amount and quality of information provided about the asylum process. "We believe asylum seekers have a right to this information and they need it to avail themselves of their rights."

The JRS also recommended that qualified interpreters be provided to assist asylum seekers seeking a fair trial or when filling in applications.

The recommendations will be presented to Home Affairs Minister, Tonio Borg.