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Five associations of solidarity and defense of the rights of refugees and migrants are mobilizing to raise awareness about the situation at the French-Italian border. Gathered on April 26 and 27, along with many local actors and Italian partners, they decided to step out of the shadows and sound the alarm to awaken the authorities.
Refugees and migrants are human beings with rights. The situation at the French-Italian border and in the Roya Valley has persisted for years and is becoming worrisome. Exhausted by their migratory journey, exiled persons seeking to continue their route are blocked at this border. When they manage to cross it, they face numerous violations of their rights.
The goal of these organizations is to develop actions with local and Italian actors to better ensure the reception and protection of refugees and migrants and to defend their rights. Among them, unaccompanied minors are left to fend for themselves.
The supportive helpers who assist these migrants are also threatened, mistreated, arrested by law enforcement, and condemned. This was the case for the farmer Cédric HERROU, against whom an eight-month suspended prison sentence was requested.
They denounce the lack of respect for the rights of migrants, including minors among them. They are automatically pushed back to Italy. A decision of refusal of entry should normally be notified to each refouled person, who has minimal rights, such as the possibility to be assisted by an interpreter, not to be immediately returned, to appeal, and more. However, notes Cécile COUDRION, vice president of Amnesty International France, in practice, “the procedure applied presents numerous failings.” And we commit to activating procedures and, if necessary, proceeding to litigation to make the authorities react.
“There is a real lack of will on the part of the authorities to address this reception crisis. This advocacy is based on the law and, together, we will achieve concrete results,” she adds.
