The Council of Ministers approved a decree on migrants at Palazzo Chigi today. The decree aims to make the indication of safe countries for repatriation a primary norm, rather than a secondary one as it has been in the past. The list of safe countries has been updated annually by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, in conjunction with the Ministers of the Interior and Justice. The countries deemed safe in the decree include Albania, Algeria, Bangladesh, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Morocco, Montenegro, Peru, Senegal, Serbia, Sri Lanka, and Tunisia.
This decision comes amid ongoing discussions on how to manage the influx of migrants into Italy. By formalizing the list of safe countries, the government hopes to streamline the repatriation process for migrants who do not qualify for asylum. The decree also includes measures to strengthen cooperation with these countries on issues related to migration. The goal is to ensure that repatriations are carried out in a timely and efficient manner, while respecting the rights and dignity of the individuals involved.
The inclusion of specific countries on the list of safe countries has raised concerns among human rights organizations and advocacy groups. Critics argue that the designation of a country as safe does not guarantee that individuals will not face persecution or harm upon return. They also point out that the list does not take into account individual circumstances, such as the prevalence of discrimination or violence in certain regions within these countries.
The government, however, maintains that the list is based on objective criteria and considers factors such as human rights protections, the rule of law, and the presence of a functioning asylum system in each country. The decree also includes provisions for monitoring the situation in these countries to ensure that conditions remain stable and meet the necessary standards for repatriation. This ongoing evaluation process is designed to address the concerns raised by critics and make adjustments as needed.
Overall, the approval of the decree reflects the government’s commitment to managing migration flows in a responsible and sustainable manner. By formalizing the process of designating safe countries for repatriation, Italy aims to create a more efficient and transparent system for addressing the challenges posed by irregular migration. The government will continue to work with international partners and civil society organizations to ensure that the rights and well-being of migrants are protected throughout the repatriation process.
