"There is no way to come to Europe legally and that has to change," Cecilia Malmström, member of the EU Commission, replied to the European Parliament's presentation of the 18-year-old refugee Farah from Somalia. It remains to be seen whether this statement will be followed by action.
One week ago on 19.02.2014, a hearing took place in the European Parliament in Brussels as part of the Destination Unknown campaign. Farah, an 18-year-old refugee from Somalia, reported on his escape from Somalia to Malta. Despite the dangers and the risk of dying on the way to Europe, he made one thing clear: "Children and young people like me will continue to migrate to Europe, pay traffickers to do so and take the risk of dying to get to the desired country. The Dublin legislation is not working in any way. Young migrants will continue to migrate to Europe and move within Europe with or without legal residence status."
Is the situation taken into account?
For once the voice of a young migrant made himself heard in the European Parliament. His statements triggered a reaction not only among the parliamentarians present. Cecilia Malmström, EU Commissioner, replied: "Indeed, there is no way to get legally close to Europe and this must be changed. It is to be hoped that the EU will take this assessment into account.
The full press release for this event and more information about Farah can be found on the Destination Unknown campaign website.
