Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/839659
maltatoday, WEDNESDAY, 21 JUNE 2017 News 7 MIRIAM DALLI WHILST war, violence and pros- ecution are causing more people than ever to flee their country, Malta is on the other hand reg- istering fewer and fewer arrivals with zero boat landings being re- corded in 2016. As the world marks World Ref- ugee Day, the UNHCR's Global Trends report showed that, at the end of 2016, 65.6 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide. Of the 65.6 million, 2.8 million were seeking asylum globally. Yet, data by the National Sta- tistics Office shows that only 24 persons reached Malta, af- ter they were airlifted out at sea. The absolute majority of these persons were citizens of African countries. To mark World Refugee Day, human rights NGOs in Malta have urged the government to continue its work on a nation- al integration strategy, with a special focus on exploring permanent solutions that lead "to true belonging": long-term residence, family reunification and citizenship. "By offering the safety and se- curity, Malta has committed to guaranteeing their well-being. By settling her, they have com- mitted to integrating into Mal- tese society," the NGOs said. The 21 organisations argued if the country were to bring together all the members of its various communities, Malta would benefit from new syner- gies and social cohesion. "We appreciate the challeng- es this presents to all persons and entities involved. On the one hand, refugee integration requires Malta to be more understanding and respectful of new ways of life, and to de- sign programmes that ensure specific needs are met and hu- man dignity guaranteed. On the other hand, refugees must cope with the social, cultural, and legal demands of wholly new environments whilst si- multaneously dealing with the loss of their loved ones and of their homes," the NGOs said. "Our experience, and that of many other nations, shows us that a divisive approach based on exclusion, hatred and preju- dice only fosters inequality, poverty and instability. A long- term integration vision that is based on respect for funda- mental human rights, the pro- tection of vulnerable persons and inclusive dialogue is the only way to ensure a viable and sustainable future for refugees and all members of Maltese so- ciety." 4.6% rise in asylum applicants In 2016, the Office of the Ref- ugee Commissioner in Malta received a total of 1,928 appli- cations, representing a 4.6% in- crease over the previous year. Almost three-fourths of the applicants were citizens of African countries, with over a third (34.5 per cent) being Libyan citizens. A further 17.1 per cent of the applicants were Syrian citizens. A large propor- tion of the applicants (42.4 per cent) were males aged between 18 and 34. An increase of 11.4 per cent was registered in the resident population of open centres and other institutional households, when compared to the preced- ing year, the NSO reported. Just over half of these persons were residing in Ħal Far while 28.4 per cent were living in Marsa. A further 272 persons were residing in other institu- tional households, excluding open centres. The majority of the residents were males while almost a quarter were of Eritrean citi- zenship. Also in 2016, 461 third-coun- try nationals were resettled in another country – a decrease of 19.1 per cent over 2015. An- other 14 persons benefitted from assisted voluntary return programmes. Only 24 refugees reached Malta in 2016, after they were airlifted out at sea. Belgian couple admits to importing 10kg of cocaine MATTHEW AGIUS A Belgian couple have admit- ted to importing 10kg of co- caine from Sicily after an in- ternational police operation disrupted a drug trafficking ring on Sunday. Two Maltese taxi drivers who were also ar- rested in connection with the operation have denied related charges this morning. Police inspectors Kevin Pulis and Frank Anthony Tabone ar- raigned 51-year-old Carine Rose Marijke Donckers and Johnny Jos Haest, 46, before Magistrate Donatella Frendo Dimech in the first of three arraignments related to the weekend's arrests. The Belgian couple were ap- prehended in Msida shortly af- ter their arrival on a catamaran from Pozzallo, Sicily. Police officers had followed them to their hotel and had re- portedly observed the couple switching vehicles before driv- ing away. After stopping their car near Msida, police found the drugs stashed inside the vehicle. Two Maltese men were also arrested in the course of the po- lice operation. The arrests were the culmination of 10 months of intense police work, involv- ing both Maltese and Belgian police forces. Haest and a frail looking Don- ckers, who appeared in court with a nasal cannula attached to a medical device, held hands in the dock as they pleaded guilty to conspiracy to import co- caine, importing, distributing and possessing the drug. In view of Donckers' and Haest's admission, the court ordered that the records of the inquiry, together with all ex- hibits be transmitted to the At- torney General, who will decide whether to indict the pair or remit the case to the Court of Magistrates for sentencing. 41-year-old Vella was charged with conspiracy to import co- caine, possession of cocaine and possession of cannabis, whilst Mamo, 38, was also accused of having conspired to import both drugs in April. Both Maltese accused pleaded not guilty to the charges and did not request bail. All assets belonging to the two men were also frozen, on court orders. Lawyer Victor Bugeja was de- fence counsel to Donckers and Haest. Lawyers Giannella De Marco and Gianluca Caruana Curran appeared on behalf of Vella and Mamo, respectively. Government urged to continue work on national integration strategy