“In the last 24 hours our small island has been hit by a wave of landings involving all its coasts and beaches, with thousands of migrants seeking shelter on a territory that is unable to withstand such a shockwave, the size of which exceeds in numerical terms the resident population itself,” said the mayor on the sidelines of a meeting requested by citizens, entrepreneurs and associations to address the phenomenon.
In this context, Mannino said “it is impossible to guarantee adequate assistance to migrants, despite huge logistical efforts which, when all is said and done, are insufficient”.
United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres said migration management needs to be shared amongst member countries in answer to a question about the situation on Lampedusa.
“Efforts cannot be made only by the countries of first arrival but must be shared, this is an EU problem and there must be solidarity mechanisms,” said Guterres.
“The flow includes refugees and people who essentially move for economic reasons,” he added.
“Everyone must see their human rights respected but there is a way to determine refugee status.
“In any case, it is essential that there be European solidarity,” he concluded.
ANSA
