terre des hommes organizations across Europe are working together to protect children and young people in the context of migration. In view of the conditions on the Mediterranean island of Lampedusa, the time for looking the other way is over.
The boat accident off Lampedusa at the beginning of October, in which more than three hundred African refugees lost their lives, caused worldwide shock. However, the reactions of some politicians (including Swiss politicians) as to how such disasters could be prevented in the future seemed almost cynical: there was talk of setting up refugee camps in North Africa or expanding border security in the Mediterranean. The aim of European migration policy is and remains to keep refugees out.
Long-standing commitment to migration
For years, Terre des Hommes organizations throughout Europe, which are united in the international federation terre des hommes (TDHIF), have been campaigning for the rights of children and young people in the context of migration. As part of the “Destination Unknown” campaign, the organizations are jointly lobbying for a humane migration policy in which the rights of children and young people are the highest principles and human rights standards are paramount.
Schengen and Dublin – Switzerland is involved
As a signatory to the Schengen and Dublin treaties and a member of Frontex, Switzerland shares responsibility for what happens at Europe’s southern borders. Responsibility must no longer be shifted to the hotspots on the EU’s southern borders. A fundamental rethink of migration policy is needed, both at international level and in Switzerland.
terre des hommes schweiz has been working for years to raise awareness of the need to rethink migration policy in this country. On 4 November, we are organizing a symposium on the topic of “Hard at the border – protecting young migrants in Switzerland and worldwide.
Survivors are stunned
In view of the acute situation in Lampedusa, terre des hommes schweiz is also supporting our sister organization with emergency financial aid. Terre des hommes Italy is supporting traumatized children in the Lampedusa reception camp. According to Lilian Pizzi, Tdh psychologist on Lampedusa, many of the survivors are in a state of shock. “They are stunned and can hardly find words for what has happened.”
Terre des hommes Italy on the ground in Lampedusa
You can also support this urgently needed work directly with a donation. You can find more information about the “Faro” project of Terre des hommes Italy on Lampedusa on the website of Terre des hommes Italy.
In this video excerpt, the ARD program tagesthemen describes the fate of a father who is confronted with the reality of Lampedusa while searching for his son. It also briefly introduces the “Faro” project and Terre des hommes Italy psychologist Lilian Pizzi.
