“There is no way to come to Europe legally and this must be changed,” said Cecilia Malmström, Member of the European Commission, in response to the statements made by 18-year-old refugee Farah from Somalia in the European Parliament. It remains to be seen whether this statement will be followed by action.
A 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, spoke about 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 smugglers and take the risk of dying to get to the country they want. 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 being taken into account?
For once, the voice of a young migrant made itself heard in the European Parliament. His statements triggered a reaction not only among the parliamentarians present. Cecilia Malmström, EU Commissioner, responded: “Indeed, there is no legal way to come to Europe and this must be changed.” It is to be hoped that the EU will also 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.
