Constructive dialogue on refugee, asylum and migration issues is needed during the run up to the European elections.
Panel discussion at launch of Know the Facts booklet. From left, Dr. Maria Pisani (moderator, Integra Foundation and University of Malta), Dr. Derek Lutterbeck (Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies), Mr. Kahin Ismail (UNHCR Malta), and Mr. Jamil Addou (EASO).
© UNHCR/Diana Iskander
UNHCR Malta in collaboration with The European Parliament Office in Malta launched the second edition of ‘Know the Facts – a toolkit on asylum and migration for the European Elections’ during a public discussion on migration on 2nd May at Europe House in Valletta.
The booklet aims to provide MEP candidates and the general public with global, regional and local information on asylum and migration, such as relevant statistics as well as European and Maltese legislation.
A public discussion was held during the ‘Know the Facts’ launch event, featuring Dr Derek Lutterbeck, Holder of Swiss Chair and Deputy Director at the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies. He was joined on the panel by Kahin Ismail, UNHCR Representative to Malta, and Jamil Addou, Interim Executive Director of EASO, the European Asylum Support Office. Dr Maria Pisani, academic and director of the Integra Foundation moderated the panel and invited the audience to ask questions. The discussion centred around key issues in the debate on asylum and migration.
During his speech at the launch of the Know the Facts information booklet, Mr Kahin Ismail said “We want to contribute to constructive discussion and debate on refugee and migration issues, particularly now during an election campaign. It is quite understandable that host communities may have apprehensions and anxiety about new comers and the Government’s plans for their care and integration.”
“It is the responsibility of all of us, and particularly elected officials, political parties and prospective candidates to use responsible rhetoric when discussing issues of migration, asylum and refugees, because words matter and they do impact the various communities in Malta.”
Download a copy of Know the Facts (PDF) here.
Know the Facts – a toolkit on asylum and migration ahead of the European elections. © UNHCR/Diana Iskander
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