By the end of 2009, there were over 42 million persons around the world, forcibly displaced from their homes due to war and persecution.
THE CONTEXT
Since 2002 Malta experienced a sharp increase in the number of undocumented migrants arriving by boat in an irregular manner, usually leaving from Libya. Most were young men; there were also a number of women, travelling alone or accompanied, and a few families with children. Although not the only migrants in Malta, this category of forced migrants constituted the vast majority of the asylum-seeking population during this period.
Upon arrival all were placed in detention, as Malta’s immigration law stipulates that all who are refused admission into Malta or issued with a removal order shall be held in custody until they can be removed. Almost all, without exception, applied for asylum and more than 52% were granted a form of protection. Those who were granted protection were released to live in the community. In 2003 the first open centres were set up to accommodate the migrants being released from detention centres.
From 2004, migrants who could not be removed were released from detention after 18 months. At around the same time the government decided that people in a vulnerable situation, such as children, pregnant women, and persons with a disability, chronic illness or serious mental health problems, should not be detained, so procedures were put in place to secure their early release from detention.
The Maltese Government and NGOs working in the field struggled to cope with the unprecedented number of arrivals, setting up policies, services and structures to respond to new realities. However, in spite of the efforts and the resources invested, we were rarely able to meet more than the most basic needs.
SUSPENDED LIVES CAMPAIGN
“Suspended Lives” is a documentary which was filmed in Malta during 2009 and 2010. It tells the story of seven migrants who sought asylum in Malta during this time: stories of ordinary people trying to survive in extraordinary circumstances.
“Suspended Lives” was launched on the 17 December 2010, in an activity marking International Migrants Day (18 December). From January until June 2011 the Jesuit Refugee Service Malta will be holding a number of free public screenings. The documentary will be the focus of an awareness-raising campaign, highlighting the hardships faced by asylum seekers and forced migrants in Malta.
